TOBACCO CASES: Over 11,000 violations booked in Bengaluru; ₹21 lakh collected in fines

TOBACCO CASES: Over 11,000 violations booked in Bengaluru; ₹21 lakh collected in fines

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Bengaluru: In a massive enforcement drive coinciding with World No Tobacco Day, Bengaluru City Police booked 11,507 tobacco-related cases and collected ₹21.19 lakh in fines over a three-day campaign aimed at curbing the illegal sale and public consumption of tobacco products.

City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda announced the crackdown during a press conference, stating that the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) is being implemented strictly across the city. "We are committed to enforcing the law and protecting public health. Violators will be penalized," he said.

From May 31 to June 2, the police—along with city marshals and volunteers—conducted a series of public awareness activities, including rallies, street plays, and speeches. On World No Tobacco Day alone, 5,667 police personnel and 6,448 citizens took a pledge to abstain from tobacco.

More than 60,000 awareness posters were displayed across Bengaluru, encouraging people to quit tobacco and highlighting its link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

Crackdown Statistics:

A citywide drive targeting public places such as bars, PG accommodations, restaurants, and lodges led to:

  • 11,324 cases under Section 4 (smoking in public places) – ₹20.91 lakh in fines

  • 135 cases under Section 6A (sale to minors) – ₹22,000 in fines

  • 48 cases under Section 6B (sale near educational institutions) – ₹5,000 in fines

Commissioner Dayananda reiterated that under the amended Section 4, smoking or chewing tobacco in public now attracts a fine of ₹1,000. Establishments like hotels and restaurants are also prohibited from operating hookah bars under Section 4A, unless licensed by the BBMP Commissioner.

Tobacco Advertising Ban and Legal Penalties

Under Section 5 of COTPA, direct and indirect tobacco advertising is strictly banned.

  • First offense: Up to 2 years imprisonment or ₹1,000 fine

  • Repeat offense: Up to 5 years imprisonment or ₹5,000 fine
    Additionally, hotels, bars, and restaurants with over 30 seats must designate legally compliant smoking areas.

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