Bengaluru: Police launch poster campaign to discourage sale, use of tobacco products

In the wake of their recent crackdown on tobacco users and vendors in Bengaluru, the police initiated a poster campaign on October 14, aiming to discourage smoking within the city and its vicinity.

According to B. Dayananda, the City Police Commissioner, the campaign seeks to enforce stringent regulations on the sale and use of tobacco products in public areas, while concurrently fostering public awareness and advocating for healthier lifestyles.

To facilitate this initiative, the local police have been provided with a series of posters to be displayed in various public spaces such as cafes, pubs, hotels, and restaurants.

These posters aim to educate the public about the hazards of smoking. Furthermore, all dining establishments are required to obtain a license permitting smoking on their premises, provided they adhere to specific conditions, including the provision of a designated smoking area. This measure is intended to safeguard non-smokers from any form of inconvenience or discomfort, as emphasized by Dayananda.

Earlier this year, the city police launched a rigorous campaign against smoking in public areas, taking legal action against shop owners and businesses under The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act.

Furthermore, the police have initiated a drive to curb the sale of tobacco and alcohol to minors, resulting in the registration of FIRs against those found in violation of the law.