Persons caught smoking also fined
BENGALURU:
Shops selling tobacco products within 100 metres of public spaces and school premises were raided on Friday by BBMP south zone health officials.
The operation was led by Chief Health officer Shiva Kumar with the assistance of ward marshals and the police. The team inspected around 60 shops around Vijayanagar Club Road, RPC Layout Bus Station, St. John’s College, 5th Main Street, Pipeline Road and neighbouring areas.
In addition, some persons caught smoking in public were fined. A total of Rs 12,450 was collected in fines.
The raids were conducted following complaints from the public about the nuisance of smoking in public places, and in the interest of safeguarding children from the health hazards of tobacco products.
The shop owners were warned by the health officials that criminal cases would be filed under the Tobacco Control Act (COTPA) and their licenses cancelled if they continued to sell tobacco products.
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