Ban on tobacco sale to minors

SHILLONG: In an attempt to control tobacco abuse among youngsters, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar has issued a prohibitory order warning shopkeepers against selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to any person below the age of 18.
In a statement released to the press, Dkhar has prohibited the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors. The notice also prohibits shopkeepers to sell tobacco in an area which is within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution.
Dkhar said such vendors should display a notice containing the warning: “Sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to a person under the age of 18 years is strictly prohibited and is a punishable offence.”
Taking a tough stand against such sellers, he asserted they are flouting Section 6 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
As for penalties, he said the erring sellers are guilty of offences under this Act and will be punishable with the imposition of fines and other prescribed penalties.