Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 13 September 2024
In a decisive move to uphold the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)-2003, the District Administration of North & Middle Andaman recently carried out a comprehensive inspection of shops and establishments across the district. The initiative, spearheaded by the Revenue Officials, aimed to ensure that businesses selling tobacco products are fully compliant with the regulations set forth in the Act, with particular focus on Sections 4 and 6.
The inspections targeted vendors to assess adherence to the rules, especially those prohibiting smoking in public places and the sale of tobacco products to minors or within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions. During the drive, shop owners were sternly reminded of the consequences of violating these laws, which could result in hefty fines and even the cancellation of business licenses.
The crackdown forms part of a wider effort led by Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman, aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting a tobacco-free district. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the Administration’s commitment to the strict enforcement of the law and encouraged the public to report any violations.
The inspections reflect the administration’s ongoing dedication to protecting public health and maintaining a strict zero-tolerance policy on tobacco law violations.