The Hindu : National : Gujarat bans smoking in public places

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Friday, Apr 30, 2004

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National

Gujarat bans smoking in public places

By Our Special Correspondent

GANDHINAGAR, APRIL 29. Smoking in public places will be banned in Gujarat from May 1, the 45th foundation day of the State.

A State Government spokesman said here today that the ban had been imposed in accordance with a directive from the Centre.

Simultaneously, the Government had prohibited the sale of cigarettes and all tobacco-products, including gutkha, to children below 18 years. All cigarette shops would be required to prominently display boards to this effect. Advertisements for cigarettes and other tobacco products had also been banned.

Ban on smoking was already in force in railway stations. The new order will cover other public places such as cinemas, hospitals, Government offices, restaurants, courts, educational institutions, public libraries, public transport, including buses, and other places where crowds gather.

Smoking, however, would be allowed in hotels having more than 300 rooms and at airports, provided special smoking zones were created.

Violation of the orders could fetch imprisonment up to five years and a fine of Rs. 200 to Rs 10,000, the spokesman said.

Ban in Punjab

PTI reports from Chandigarh:

A spokesman for the Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab, said here today that Punjab would prohibit smoking in public places and advertisements for tobacco and tobacco products from May 1. An intimation to this effect had been received from the Centre.

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