The Cigarette & other Tobacco
products (Prohibition of Advertisement & Regulation of Trade & Commerce,
Production, Supply distribution) Act, 2003 was implementation in India w.e.f.1st
May, 2004 and in the state of Punjab from 25th June, 2004. The main provisions
of the act are as under:-
· Prohibition of smoking in public places
· Prohibition of Advertisements, Sponsorship of tobacco products.
· Prohibition of sale of tobacco products to minors.
· Prohibition of sale of tobacco products near educational institutions
Health Warnings & Health messages
on cigarette & Tobacco packs
Violation of any provisions of the act is an offence punishable with a fine of
Rs.200/-.which is compoundable with subsequent violations.
Authorised persons for
implementing the act are a) Superintendent of
Police or any representative of the police department not below the rank of
Sub-Inspector
b)Drug Inspector of Health Department
c) Food inspector of Health
Department
d) 'No Tobacco Day’ is celebrated on 31st May every year. On this day
educational advertisements in newspapers, exhibitions & workshops/seminars in
the state are regular features.
e) A Tobacco Control Cell has been established in the office of Director, Health
Services, Punjab at Chandigarh.
f) Wide publicity in print & electronic media regarding the harmful effects of
tobacco is given from time to time.
g) Hotels with a seating capacity of thirty people are to create ‘Smoking’ &
Non-Smoking’ zones. Ashtrays from hotels are removed
