BMC Ward officers to keep an eye on violators

Tobacco product sellers, watch out. Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will soon be hot on your heels if you make a sale within 100 yards of educational institutions.  

The BMC recently issued a circular to all its wards officers directing them to conduct regular checks near educational institutions to ensure that tobacco products are not sold to minors.

The circular, which was issued on April 13, states, “As per the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or permit sale of cigarette or any other tobacco products (a) to any person who is under eighteen years of age and (b) in an area within a radius of one hundred yards of any educational institution.”

Geeta Gawli, chairman of the BMC’s health committee, said the order is a positive development and “steps will be taken to ensure that it’s duly implemented.”

She added, “Action will be taken against illegal stalls and vendors, especially (those) near educational institutions. The ones running legally cannot advertise (their tobacco products). All posters and banners advertising such products will have to be covered.”

The circular also states that the owner of the shop will have to display a signage with a specific warning at the entrance, and he’ll also have to ensure that no tobacco products can be sold to or handled/sold by a person below the age of 18.