Bangalore: The ban on sale and consumption of soft drinks in the vicinity of educational institutions and government hospitals and dispensaries came into effect on Monday.

Minister for Health R. Ashok and Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Basavaraj Horatti had announced on Wednesday last that the sale of 12 specified brands of soft drinks, including Coca-Cola and Pepsi, would be banned in the vicinity of educational institutions and hospitals with effect from August 14. The Government has since issued an order.

A clear picture on the implementation of the ban order would emerge on Wednesday when schools reopen after the long weekend and Independence Day celebrations.

Enforcement of order

Sources in the State Government said the police, corporation officials and the personnel concerned in the offices of the deputy commissioners in the districts would enforce the order. "The Government has done its bit in conveying to the people that consumption of such soft drinks is harmful to health, and therefore they should stay away from them. We have drawn the attention of the people and it is for the latter to cooperate with the authorities in their own interest." As per the Government Order, those found selling or even consuming any of the banned soft drinks would be prosecuted.

The governments of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have already banned the sale of soft drinks following tests that indicated the presence of pesticide residue in them. Karnataka has now followed suit and the ban order would be effective across the State.

Sale in restaurants

Asked about the sale of such soft drinks in other places, including restaurants, bus stands and railway stations, it was mentioned that a ban on the sale of soft drinks in such places would be brought about at a later date. The present ban is valid only for a distance of 100 ft from the educational institutions and hospitals.

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