COTPA violation: 342 cases registered

The district tobacco control cell vigilance squad sleuths have registered 342 cases pertaining to the violation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

The drive was carried out near schools and colleges, hotels, bars, restaurants and liquor shops.

“More than 200 cases were registered for allowing smoking and sale of tobacco products at hotels, bars and liquor shops. Around 90 cases were registered at Ballalbagh and Barke area on Thursday and 38 cases in Pumpwell and Naguri area on Friday,” said Squad member Dr Preetha.

State high-level committee member Dr John Kennedy, social activist Shruthi were part of the drive. A total of
Rs 53,000 fine was collected during the drive.

The squad members have found sale of tobacco products near KSRTC bus stand and surrounding areas.

Cases have also been filed against those who had mounted an advertisement on tobacco products.

Dr Preetha said that hookah bars were also inspected.

At a few places, there was slight changes in the products used for smoking hookah. Hence, notices have been served to the hookah bar owners.

She said hookah bars can not serve meals and dishes. At a few places, the rules are being violated in hookah bars. There were no warning signs in the products used for smoking hookah.