CHITRADURGA
Deputy Commissioner T Venkatesh has directed all commercial establishments selling tobacco products to obtain a separate tobacco sales license, as mandated under the COTPA Act. He instructed officials to achieve 90% licensing coverage for such shops in urban and local bodies within one month.
Presiding over the quarterly progress review meeting of the District Tobacco Control Cell at the city office hall on Friday, the DC expressed displeasure over poor implementation of the directive issued in the previous meeting. He stressed that business licenses for bars, restaurants, tea, and pan shops must include a condition for a separate tobacco sales license.
Officials must upload a consolidated report of licenses issued in the MSX portal, he added. The Deputy Commissioner warned of strict action against officers who fail to meet the target.
He also directed the District Tobacco Control Cell officer to ensure effective enforcement of the COTPA Act, particularly the ban on tobacco use in schools, colleges, KSRTC bus stands, and shops.
BOX:
Excise Deputy Commissioner K. Ashalatha stated that the department will issue licenses to bars and restaurants only if all tobacco-related rules are complied with. She instructed field officials to regularly inspect establishments, and warned that licenses would be cancelled if violations are found.