BMC stresses tobacco ban for minors
The BMC has issued a circular, banning the sale of tobacco and tobacco products to minors and within 100 yards of educational institutions.
The circular is meant to implement the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, which was passed in 2003. "We are taking steps to ensure that the rule is duly implemented," said BMC health committee chairman Geeta Gawli.
"Action will be taken against illegal stalls and vendors, especially near educational institutions . Also, all posters and banners advertising the tobacco products will be removed or covered."
The circular states that the the fine for violation of the act "may extend to Rs 200".
Meanwhile, Devika Chadha , programme director of Salaam Bombay Foundation, slammed the state's decision to reduce the tax levied on tobacco from 12.5% to 5%.
