BBMP notice to over 400 establishments for no smoking zone

In light of the Karnataka High Court order to protect citizens from passive smoking, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP) has issued notices to over 400 bars, lodges, restaurants, clubs, and other establishments to install designated smoking zones within their premises, according to News18 report.

Keeping in mind the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), and in accordance with the directive, establishments that accommodate more than 30 rooms or 30 seats are required to have an exclusive smoking zone. Smoking will be disallowed in areas outside of the designated space, to safeguard the interests of non-smokers.

The BBMP notice quoting the order of the high court said, "Petitioner shall earmark exclusively a separate area/place(s) with appropriate enclosure in the hotel premises and necessarily after obtaining license for the purpose of smoking and no other area or portion of premises shall be used by the customer of the petitioner for smoking."

They have been given a 7-day time period to set up smoking zones, failure to adhere to this would result in serious legal action, the notice reportedly said. The action may include suspension of their trade license and a penalty imposition, the report said.

In June, Cubbon Park police had registered a case against a restaurant and bar co-owned by cricketer Virat Kohli, for reportedly violating smoking zone regulations. The cops conducting the drive had verified that One8 Commune had no designated areas for smoking, and an FIR was registered against the manager and staff.

This was part of a drive conducted by the Bengaluru Police, that began on May 29, to inspect locations and prevent smoking-related violations.