The Karnataka state government on Wednesday issued a formal notification banning the loose sale of cigarettes, beedis and chewing tobacco products with immediate effect.

The Congress-led government had earlier banned all forms of chewing tobacco aligning itself with the orders of the Supreme Court.

“Banning loose sales of tobacco products prompts people to buy them in larger quantities and it would pinch their pockets. As many would have picked up the habits without the notice of their family members would fear to buy products in such large quantities and think towards quitting the habit,” a senior officer of the health department told Bangalore Mirror.

The notification by the state government was issued on September 11, however, it came to light towards the end of the month.

The ban has been imposed as per the provisions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade, Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003 (COTPA).

The notification also added that any person found violating the provisions of the act and order will be punished as per the provisions of section 20 of the COTPA Act.

Source: Mirror Now