Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 5: Additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Raju K has instructed officials to take strict action against shops and hotels that allow smoking or sell cigarettes in loose quantities, and to close such establishments if found violating tobacco control laws.
He issued these directives while presiding over the District-Level Coordination Committee meeting held under the National Tobacco Control Programme at the DC office on Tuesday.
The ADC emphasized that smoking and the sale of tobacco products, including pan and gutka, are prohibited in public places. Cigarettes must be sold only in full packs, not as single sticks. He directed all urban local bodies and gram panchayats to conduct regular inspections of shops and hotels and to close and seize any establishments found violating these regulations.
He also instructed officials to submit detailed reports in the next meeting, including the number of shops inspected, violations detected, fines imposed, and shops sealed.
Highlighting the rise in cancer cases, the ADC noted that tobacco consumption and smoking are major causes. “People’s health and lives are of utmost importance. Those playing with public health will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
Assistant commissioner of police Vijaya Kranthi informed that the police department has registered 1,756 cases against individuals found smoking or consuming tobacco in public places. District health officer Dr H R Thimmayya, Wenlock Hospital superintendent Dr Shivaprakash, and other officials were present.
The ADC reiterated that the sale of cigarettes, beedis, pan masala, and other tobacco products is strictly prohibited within a 100-meter radius of schools and colleges. He directed principals and heads of institutions to periodically inspect nearby shops and report violations to local bodies for immediate action. All educational institutions have been asked to submit compliance reports within a week.
The ADC noted that complaints have been received about cigarette sales and public smoking in certain tea and coffee cafés and hotels. He instructed officials to conduct raids and close down such establishments without leniency. Steps will also be taken to completely prohibit smoking and tobacco use within the premises of all government hospitals in the district.
District Tobacco Control Programme officer Dr Naveen Chandra reported that between April and October 2025, a total of 1,488 cases were registered for smoking and using tobacco products in public places. A fine amounting to Rs 1.89 lac has been collected during this period.