In a bid to curb the rampant violation of the ban on tobacco products, especially near schools and colleges, the Tamil Nadu health department is set to implement a stringent policy. Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced on Wednesday that vendors caught selling banned tobacco items in proximity to educational institutions could face shop closures and temporary or permanent suspension of trade licenses.
The sale of any tobacco products, including cigarettes, in the vicinity of educational institutions has been strictly prohibited. The move comes in response to persistent violations of the tobacco ban issued by the food safety commissioner.
Until now, violators faced fines, starting at Rs 5,000 for the first offense, escalating to Rs 10,000 for the second offense, and eventual closure and sealing of shops if caught for the third time. However, the health department believes these fines have not effectively deterred violators.
Health Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi stated, “For the safety of adolescents, we are planning to adopt stringent punishment under the provisions of the Food Safety Act. Shops will be closed upon the first violation, with varying periods for reopening depending on the severity of the offense. Grave offenses may lead to permanent closures.”
In May 2023, Tamil Nadu extended the ban on chewable food products containing tobacco and nicotine for a year. The ban covers products like gutkha and pan masala. The decision followed the Supreme Court overturning the Madras High Court’s order, which had quashed the ban imposed by the state in 2013.
The health department is also closely monitoring the bulk sale of habit-forming drugs without prescriptions, taking strict action against pharmacies involved in such practices.
