Maharashtra Becomes The Second State To Ban The Sale Of Loose Cigarettes

In January, Punjab banned the sale of loose cigarettes. The state of Maharashtra will now follow its suit.

The state health department of Maharashtra announced on Monday that the sale of loose cigarettes would henceforth be banned. The reason provided was that there was no way to warn the buyers of loose cigarettes about the dangers of smoking, a statutory warning about which, is generally printed on cigarette packets.

 

Principal Secretary (health) Sujata Saunik said,”A public notification will be issued in a couple of days, following which the ban will come into effect. Anyone found selling loose cigarettes will face action under the sections of the COTPA.”

The state is also banning chewing tobacco in public places.

 

But there is still no prohibition on the production of cigarettes and tobacco. So how this new law would effect people who sell cigarettes and tobacco for living as well as the health of smokers, remains a question!

News Source

Cover Image Source