Chandigarh to become smoke free from July 15

Chandigarh, July 7: Chandigarh is all set to become the first smoke free Union Territory of India.

UT Home Secretary Krishna Mohan said as per section 4 of the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act 2003, from July 15, it would be a penal offence to smoke at any public place in Chandigarh, including smoke-free areas of hotels, restaurants, bars and public conveyances.

All police officials of the rank of sub-inspector and above, food/drug inspectors and all officials notified by the Chandigarh Administration would have the power to take action against anyone found smoking in public areas, Mr Mohan said.

The Home Secretary further said as per the decision of the Administration to declare the city smoke free, the Administration would launch an awareness campaign about the harms of smoking.

Mr Mohan has sought public support and assistance in enforcing Chandigarh as the first smoke free union territory of the country.

The definition of a public place includes all places except for certain open spaces not visited by the public like the lawn area outside homes, road curbs away from the markets and opens spaces outside any public area.

As per Section 4 read with Rule 3 of the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act 2003, the charge of all public offices are to ensure the display of warning boards in public offices.

UNI