Representative image showing a person smoking.
Credit: iStock Photo
Bengaluru: Owing to World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Bengaluru police will hold special drives across the city to curb public smoking, and the sale of cigarettes to minors and near educational institutions.
The drive will be conducted between May 29 and June 2.
"Since e-cigarettes and vaping are banned in India, surprise checks will be held on sellers. Another important thing is that the BBMP has mandated a separate licence for traders to sell tobacco products. There is a need to create awareness about this,” B Dayananda, Bengaluru city police commissioner, said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
"The sellers of tobacco products will be directed to get the licence. Those who sell without a licence will be penalised, as per the law,” he added.
The commissioner said that efforts would be made to hold special camps and seminars.
"In pubs, restaurants and cafes, there is a rule to have designated smoking areas. In many cases, it is found that this is not followed. Efforts will be made to create awareness regarding that as well,” the commissioner added.
As per data released by the police, between January 2024 and April 2025, 57,130 cases were booked under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), and Rs 80.08 lakh in fines were collected for violations during the period.