Starting January 1, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) will become the first civic body in Karnataka to implement tobacco vendor licensing. The corporation has already begun the necessary procedures to put this licensing system into action, marking a key development in regulating tobacco sales within the city.
The state government first introduced the draft Municipal Corporations Rules in 2020 to control tobacco sales. These regulations were finalized and announced in 2022. In January 2023, the Directorate of Municipal Administration mandated that all local bodies in the state enforce these rules. However, due to various technical challenges, enforcement was delayed in many areas.
The tobacco vendor licensing initiative will prohibit the sale of tobacco products by push carts, beeda shops, and small shops. Vendors will be required to pay a Rs 500 licence fee, and HDMC officials will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. Currently, only about 1,000 tobacco vendors in the twin cities have proper documentation, while more than 5,000 vendors operate without legal authorization.
This program aims to regulate tobacco sales and curb its distribution within city limits. Vendors must renew their licences annually and maintain detailed records of their stock. Under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), vendors will also be required to display their licences prominently.
Health officer Dr. Sridhar Dandappanavar confirmed that HDMC would be the first in the state to enforce this system effectively. Vendors have been given 10 days to prepare documents before the licensing process begins. Failure to comply could result in fines or imprisonment.
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