Pramesh S Jain & Yogesh K Porwar
In order to observe national no smoking day in more meaningful way,the city police on Wednesday issued directions to the owners of the hotels, bars,restaurants, pubs and eateries to adhered to smoke free law formed in the updated Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products ( COTPA) Act.
City police commissioner B.Dayananda in city police social media account asked the owners of the food and beverage outlets to strictly comply the rules to regulate and govern the designated no smoking areas as mandated by the law.
In his tweet ( sic) mr. Dayananda said “Attention Bengaluru! As we observe National No Smoking Day, we call upon all hotel, bar, restaurant, club, and pub owners to comply with regulations.
Remove any illegal Designated Smoking Areas as mandated by law. Let’s work together for a smoke-free city!” .
Mr. Dayananda,said that the notification to the stake holders was in alignment with the ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and in strict compliance with the provisions outlined in the COTPA and the amendments specified (under the GSR-500(E) СОТРА 2017 notification).
Bengaluru underscores the critical need for stringent adherence to the norms concerning violations of smoke-free laws as laid by COTPA which is placing customers – youth, children, adults and staff working in the premises exposing them to harmful chemical and carcinogens.
This appeal serves as a reminder and a mandate for all hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, and pubs within the jurisdiction of Bengaluru to remove all illegal created designated smoking areas or rooms which are not compliant with COTPA ( GSR-500(Е) СОТРА 2017 notification) and BBMP circular ( number SC/PR/177/2018-19 dated 28 Aug 2018 ) and diligently implement and abide by the following stipulations regarding smoke-free laws.
Legally compliant Establishment of DSAS should strictly adhere to the norms specified by the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Place Rules (2008) , as amended ( vide GSR500 (E) 2017 notification) , DSAs must be distinctly marked and adequately ventilated as per the COTPA guidelines to ensure non-smokers area strictly adhere to the norms specified in the notification and NOC obtain from the BBMP.
Prohibition of Service within DSAs and providing of food, water, beverages, or any tobacco products within Designated Smoking Areas is strictly prohibited.
The essence of this regulation is to discourage smoking by limiting the convenience associated with smoking areas and protect non-smokers (including staff) from exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.
Signage and Awareness and display all signage’s as per rules and ensure clear and visible signage indicating the rules of DSAs, including the prohibition of service within these areas, must be displayed prominently.
It is the responsibility of the establishment’s management to ensure that all patrons are made aware of these regulations, the notification , stated .
Enforcement and Compliance by carrying out routine checks and inspections by relevant authorities to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Establishments found violating the stipulated norms for DSAs will face stringent penalties including Imposition of fines and Imprisonment as outlined in COTPA 2003 and subsequent amendments.
Potential cancellation of trade licenses in accordance with the relevant BBMP circulars or other municipal guidelines.
The intention behind these regulations is not to impede the operations of any establishment but to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all citizens, Mr. dayananda, said .
“Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke pose significant health risks, and it is our collective responsibility to mitigate these risks by adhering to the established guidelines”, he added.
Seeking cooperation from the Stake holders,Mr. Dayananda said Let us on this National No Smoking Day take a pledge to work together to promote public health and ensure a safe, smoke-free environment for everyone”.
