Smoking in public places banned in Ri Bhoi District

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 15, 2021

The District Magistrate, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh has promulgated an Order under Section 144 of the CrPC prohibiting smoking in public places which mean any place to which the public has access and also places such as auditorium, hospitals, building, railways waiting room, amusement centres, restaurant, public offices, court buildings, educational institutions, libraries, public conveyances and the likes which are visited by the general public as per Section 4 of COPTA Act, 2003. Moreover, as per the Section 6 of COPTA Act, 2003, ban of sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to any person who is under eighteen (18) years of age and in an area within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution.

This order has been issued after receiving reports that vendors, stalls and other shop keepers are openly selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors at market places and within the proximity of Educational Institutions.

In addition to the prohibition, the District Magistrate also directed to all heads of Departments, Managers, Principals, etc to display “No Smoking” signage as specified under the Act in their respective offices or premises whereas Vendors, stalls and other shops where tobacco products are sold shall display a notice containing the warning “ sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to a person under the age of eighteen years is strictly prohibited and is a punishable offence”. Any person who contravenes the provision of Section 6 shall be guilty of offences and punishable with the imposition and other prescribed penalties under the Act and Law enforcement authorities or authorized personnel are directed to monitor the implementation and violation of the Act.

This Order come into force with immediate effect until further orders.