Shopian, Oct 19: The District Magistrate of Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, has issued a formal order mandating the strict enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, in the southern district.
The move is aimed at curbing the sale of tobacco products to minors and regulating their sale near educational institutions.
The official order reiterates that the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited. It also strictly bans the sale of such products within a 100-yard radius of any educational institution, in line with Section 6 of COTPA.
The District Magistrate’s order warns that any vendor found violating these provisions will face strict penalties.
“The above provisions of the law are reiterated for the information of all cigarette sellers and the general public of Shopian District. Any vendor found violating the above provision of the law shall be dealt with severely. Vendors should ask for age proof, such as an Aadhaar Card, EPIC, or any other identity document containing the buyer’s date of birth, to determine eligibility for purchasing cigarettes,” the order sates.
The order further notes that the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) of Shopian has been designated as the nodal officer responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the law across the district.
