Sale of Tobacco products to minors and smoking in public places prohibited in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 4, 2021

The Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District on Monday informed the general public that in exercise of the power conferred in Section 21 and 24 of the cigarettes and other tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya has issued the following Order / Notification in the interest of the public.

The notification states that, as per Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, no person shall smoke in any public places (any places to which the public has access, whether as matter of right or not) and includes auditorium, hospital buildings, railway waiting room, amusement centres, restaurants, public offices, Court buildings, educational institutions, libraries, public conveyances and the like which are visited by the general public but does not include any open space.

Additionally, as per Section 6 of the COTPA 2003, no person shall sell, offer for sale or permit sale of cigarette or any other tobacco products to a person who is under eighteen years of age and in an area within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution.

The Deputy Commissioner further stated that all the Head of Departments, Managers, Principals etc must display “No Smoking “signage as specified under the Act in the respective offices or premises.   

He also informed that any violations of this Act is a punishable offence with fine upto Rs. 200. The Law enforcement authorities/ authorized personnel will monitor the implementation and violation of the Act.