Date:05/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/05/stories/2008120554780500.htm

Tamil Nadu

26 fined for smoking in public places in Tirupur

Staff Reporter

Tirupur: The Corporation officials have imposed fines on a total of 26 persons for smoking in public during surprise checks carried out over three days ending on Thursday.

Official sources said the special squads led by City Health Officer K.R. Jawaharlal caught nine persons smoking at New Bus Stand, three at Old Bus Stand and the remaining at eateries, tea stalls and shopping areas situated across the city. Mr. Jawaharlal said that fines ranging from Rs.100 to Rs. 200 were levied from the defaulters under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.

Crackdown

“The crackdown will continue in the coming days too,” he added.

The Corporation would also carry out campaigns urging the people to comply with the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008, framed under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, while they were in public places. Besides, public would be told about the health problems caused by smoking and passive smoking. Mr. Jawaharlal said that about 40 per cent of deaths occur in the country owing to tobacco-related diseases.