Bengaluru: Rs 14,000 fine collected for tobacco violations in special drive

Bengaluru: A special inspection drive to curb violations of the Tobacco Control Act began on February 18 within the BBMP North zone limits. 

The campaign, which runs till February 26, aims to enforce provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and spread awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco use.

Till February 19, enforcement teams inspected wards 1, 4, 11, 23 and 29, booked cases against violators and collected Rs 14,000 in fines.

The highest fine of Rs 3,000 was collected in Ward 23, Nagawara, from three businesses: Smoke City Chocolate and More, Manju Provision Store, and Rafees Smoke Store.

Officials said the drive targets public smoking, sale of tobacco products to minors, and display of tobacco advertisements in prohibited areas.

A shop near an educational institution was sealed for selling tobacco products in violation of the distance norms under the Act.