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Srinagar, May 8: DC Bandipora has issued a public notice prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors and directed shopkeepers and vendors to strictly comply with provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and the Juvenile Justice Act.
The notice said that the government has prohibited the sale of tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age and within a radius of 100 yards of educational institutions.
The administration directed all retailers, vendors, shopkeepers and distributors to install statutory warning boards within 15 days from the date of the notice and verify the age of purchasers through valid government-issued photo identity cards before sale.
It also ordered the immediate discontinuation of employment of persons below 18 years in any activity related to tobacco trade.
The notice said tobacco products cannot be sold within 100 yards of schools and other educational institutions and instructed shopkeepers to prominently display warning messages at their establishments.
Referring to Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the administration said giving or selling tobacco products to children is a punishable offence that can attract rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.
The notice further said police shall register an FIR if a child is found under the influence of or in possession of tobacco products meant for sale.
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