BBMP to enforce special licence for tobacco sales in Bengaluru

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to implement a new licensing regulation for shops selling tobacco products in an effort to curb the growing tobacco use in the city. As part of the revised trade policy, retailers will now require a dedicated tobacco trade licence in addition to their regular business permits.

This move follows the BBMP’s announcement last year, though its rollout was delayed due to technical updates in the licensing system. With all procedural aspects now in place, enforcement is expected to begin shortly.

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Retailers selling items such as cigarettes, beedis, and gutkha will be mandated to obtain the new licence, which will cost Rs 500 and remain valid for five years. Non-compliance will attract penalties, with a Rs 5,000 fine for the first violation and an additional Rs 100 per day for continued breaches.

Estimates suggest that Bengaluru has over 60,000 retail shops, and more than half currently sell tobacco products without specific oversight. The new system aims to address the widespread disregard for existing rules, such as the ban on selling to minors and the requirement to avoid loose cigarette or beedi sales.

Vendors will also be required to display health warnings prominently. The BBMP expects that stricter enforcement through this licensing mechanism will lead to a reduction in unregulated tobacco sales across the city.