Centre to ban smoking in buildings from Oct 2

Bangalore, Sep 2 (UNI) Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today said the Centre planned to enforce 'Workplace Smoke-free Zones' from Gandhi Jayanti celebrated on October 2 banning smoking in both private and public places in the country.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Ramadoss said here that the ban would be total in buildings and enforced very strictly with punishment for both individuals and institutions violating the rule.

''Smoking will be allowed if at all one wants to smoke outside the premises and on the roads,'' he said.

To a question, Dr Ramadoss said no building would be allowed to have its own Smoke Zones in the premises.

He had already written to all Chief Ministers, Governors and non-governemental organisations for the effective and sustainable implementation of the ban in the respective states.

Dr Ramadoss said the Centre had already notified compulusory display of pictorial warnings and messages of health hazards on all tobacco products from December 1.

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