Shillong, Sept 09: In order to discourage sale of tobacco products in and around the educational institutions, the West Khasi Hills Police recently penalized shops in Nongstoiñ selling tobacco products in close proximity to schools.
The primary objective of the drive was to create awareness among shopkeepers about the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act 2003 (COTPA).
Numerous shops faced penalties for contravening the law by selling tobacco products in the vicinity of schools. The institutions affected include: St. Xavier Secondary School, Public School, Anderson Higher Secondary School, JJM Higher Secondary School, Sibsing Memorial Government Higher Secondary School, among others.
This action by the police department was to reminder all shopkeepers that there exists a legal prohibition against the sale of tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of school premises.
