Bengaluru: The state government has banned the sale of loose beedis, cigarettes and other chewing tobacco products at public places.
The ban on chewing products was already in force after health workers and medical experts raised concerns over their ill effects on human health. Soon after the ban, people started buying tobacco products like beedis and cigarettes in small quantities from large packs. The overall consumption of tobacco products is on the rise despite the partial ban, according to experts in the field.
To put a lid on the extensive usage, the state government has invoked the ban under section 3,8 and 9 of 2003 Act on the sale of loose tobacco products. According to the state government, promulgation of this rule is to protect the health of the general public. Those violating the rule will be punishable under column 20 of the 2003 Act which relates to the consumption of tobacco products including chewing ones in public places
