This Indian state raises minimum age for cigarette sale, know details
PTC News Desk: In a significant development and citing 'public health and safety,' Karnataka government presented the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Bill, 2024 which increased the age limit of sale of cigarettes from 18 years to 21 years.
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Manufacture, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill was passed in the Assembly on Wednesday.
The sale of cigarettes to people under 21 is also prohibited in the state.
Earlier, the age limit for the sale of cigarettes was 18 years, but it has now been raised to 21 years.
Furthermore, the sale of cigarettes within 100 meters of schools is prohibited. Considering that many small traders also sell groceries, imposing a fine of 10,000 rupees could pose a challenge, so the government limited it to one thousand
Meanwhile, Karnataka also imposed a statewide Ban on Hookah to Protect Public Health and Youth Given the serious health risks associated with hookah smoking in any bar and restaurant, and other places.
"Unauthorized operation of hookah bar shall be punishable with imprisonment not less than one year and extending to three years and a fine of Rs.50,000 to Rs.1 lakh. There is a possibility to impose fines along with jail term if violation is reported," Health Minister said.
Also Read: This Indian state imposes state-wide ban on ‘hookah’; Know why
/ptc-news/media/media_files/Ivix7s9Am3jcKWy9T9pb.jpg)
Karnataka's recent ban on hookahs is supported by concerning findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2016-17 (GATS-2).
According to the report, 22.8 percent of adults in Karnataka use tobacco, with 8.8 percent being smokers. Additionally, the survey indicates that 23.9 percent of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke in public places, underscoring the widespread risks associated with tobacco consumption in the state.
(With inputs from agencies)
-
