Shopkeepers Violating Tobacco Sales Rules Warned, Penal Action Taken
Surat, (Gujarat) [India]: Under the “Tobacco Youth Campaign 2.0,” the Taluka Health Office team in Bardoli launched an anti-tobacco campaign, warning shopkeepers violating tobacco sales rules and initiating penal action. Emphasis was placed on the strict enforcement of the “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act-2003” (COTPA).
Under the guidance of Dr. Anil Patel, Nodal Officer of the Tobacco Control Program and Chief District Health Officer, and Dr. Kaushik Mehta, Epidemic Medical Officer, awareness rallies were organized in Madhi and Surali villages. Health officers, supervisors, ASHA workers, Female Health Workers (FHWs), Male Health Workers (MPHWs), and Community Health Officers (CHOs) participated in the rallies.
During the rally, shopkeepers were clearly instructed that selling tobacco products to children under 18 is prohibited, and selling tobacco within 100 meters of school premises is illegal.
Under the National Tobacco Control Program, the PHC Sarbhon team, with the help of the local police station, fined shopkeepers ₹800 for violating the tobacco sales rules. The team also guided the shopkeepers on the proper implementation of rules and advised them to put up information boards in their shops.
