Puttur City Municipal Council enforces stricter licensing rules for tobacco sellers

Puttur City Municipal Council enforces stricter licensing rules for tobacco sellers

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Feb 9, 2025: The City Municipal Council (CMC) has mandated that all business owners and traders within its jurisdiction obtain a separate licence to sell tobacco and related products alongside their existing business operations. This directive applies to both new licence applicants and those renewing their existing licences, who must declare any involvement in tobacco sales and secure a separate licence.

CMC Commissioner Madhu S Manohar emphasized that failure to comply with these regulations would result in stringent legal action, including fines and suspension of business operations without prior notice if tobacco products are discovered during inspections.

Citing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, the commissioner highlighted the prohibition of smoking in public places under Section 4, which carries a fine of up to ₹100 for violations. Section 6 of the Act also forbids the sale or storage of tobacco products within 100 feet of educational institutions or to individuals below 18 years, with penalties of up to ₹200 and possible legal consequences for violators.

“The government has issued a circular to all local bodies across the state, following a health department meeting, to ensure strict compliance with these regulations. All shops selling cigarettes and tobacco products are required to obtain a separate licence. We are implementing these guidelines within CMC limits, and the government has also outlined the fee structure for such licences,” the commissioner stated.

The Puttur CMC has urged all business owners to adhere to these rules to avoid penalties and support public health initiatives aimed at curbing tobacco use.