Mysuru: Following directions from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Superintendent of Police (SP) for effective enforcement of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA) in city, the District Health and Family Welfare Department, District Surveillance Office and the District Tobacco Control Cell conducted raids on shops and other establishments for violating COTPA in city recently.

The raids were conducted on petty shops, hotels, bars and restaurants, paan shops and other such shops including public places. The raids were conducted on Shivaji Road, Abul Kalam Azad Road, Bus Stand, N.R. Mohalla, Bannimantap and other places with assistance from N.R. Police.

Along with the raids, an awareness drive was also launched where shopkeepers and the public were sensitised on COTPA and on the bad effects of tobacco. Action would be taken to enforce the ban under Sections 4, 5, 6 and 6 B of the COTPA. Section 4 of COTPA bans smoking in public places, Section 5 bans all form of direct and indirect advertisements, Section 6 bans sale of tobacco products to minors, Section 6B prohibits sale of tobacco products within 100 yards from schools and colleges.

Officials said that such drives will be intensified in coming days and at Taluk levels. District Tobacco Control Cell’s District Advisor Shivakumar, Social Activist Naveedulla Shariff, NR ASI Rudrappa, Madhusudan and others took part in the raid besides creating awareness on COTPA.