Mangaluru (The Hindu): Those found smoking in parks, playgrounds, hotels, cinema halls, and other public places will be fined Rs. 200 by the police. Also fine will be imposed on persons in-charge of these places if they are found to have not installed ‘No smoking’ boards and taken other steps to prevent smoking in public.

These are among steps that the Mangaluru City police are taking as a part of the drive to enforce the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production Supply and Distribution) Act.

The drive to enforce COTPA Act provisions has been in continuation of the action of the city police against drug peddlers and consumers of narcotic drugs.

“Those addicted to drugs have started with smoking. By acting against smoking, we are addressing the root cause of drug addiction,” Police Commissioner S. Murugan told The Hindu .

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjeev M. Patil said police have already started visiting petrol bunks, wayside stalls, educational institutions, and asking them to install the boards.

Five days have been given for installation of these boards. No stalls selling tobacco products will be allowed to operate within 100 meters from educational institution.

They will start booking cases against violators from December 18. “This will be an intensive drive across the city,” Mr. Patil said.

Photo credit: The Hindu