Bandipora, May 8: Bandipora District Administration on Friday banned tobacco sales to minors and near schools, threatening strict action under COTPA and Juvenile Justice Act for violators.
According to the public notice, the directions have been issued in the interest of child welfare and public health under the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
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The notice stated that Section 6 of COTPA strictly prohibits the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age and within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution.
The administration also referred to Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which prescribes punishment of up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh for providing intoxicating substances, including tobacco products, to children.
District Magistrate Bandipora directed all retailers, vendors, shopkeepers, and distributors to install statutory warning boards within 15 days, verify the age of purchasers through valid government-issued photo identity cards, discontinue the employment of minors in tobacco-related trade, and stop the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions.
The notice further stated that all shops dealing in tobacco products must prominently display warning messages stating that selling tobacco to minors is a punishable offence carrying rigorous imprisonment and monetary penalties.
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The administration warned that non-compliance with these directions will attract strict action under the relevant provisions of COTPA, the Juvenile Justice Act, and rules framed thereunder. (JKNS)
