विवरण
Tobacco and nicotine control laws aim to reduce the health risks associated with smoking and nicotine use. These regulations often include raising the legal purchasing age, restricting advertising, and imposing higher taxes on tobacco products. Many countries enforce plain packaging with health warnings to discourage use. Public smoking bans and restrictions on flavored nicotine products help protect non-smokers and reduce youth initiation. Additionally, emerging products like e-cigarettes are increasingly regulated under these laws to ensure public health safety
सारांश
- The speaker discussed tobacco and nicotine control laws in the country, highlighting the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). This act aims to protect non-smokers from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke (second-hand smoking) and prevent children/youth from becoming addicted. Violations can be reported via a tobacco monitor app.
- COTPA includes prohibitions on smoking in public places (Section 4), advertisement/promotion/sponsorship of tobacco products (Section 5), and the sale of tobacco products to those under 18 or near educational institutions (Section 6). It also requires pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packaging (Section 7). Violations carry fines and/or imprisonment.
- Designated smoking areas are restricted to restaurants with 30+ seating, hotels with 30+ rooms, and airports, with specific requirements. There are limitations to service and location. Signage must be prominently displayed in public places, indicating no-smoking areas and designated smoking areas.
- The Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSAI) bans gutka, and some states prohibit selling tobacco products with food items. Challenges include easy access to tobacco, the rising popularity of hookah, electronic cigarettes, and the sale of single cigarettes.
- Electronic cigarettes are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. Violations carry fines and imprisonment. The speaker discourages the promotion of e-cigarettes as cessation products, highlighting the existence of legal alternatives. It is promoted by industry as less harmful but nicotine ingestion can cause death.
- Several states have amended COTPA to address hookah establishments. Success requires robust enforcement of existing laws, coordination among multiple departments (health, education, police, etc.), and addressing illicit tobacco products. Celebrities endorsing tobacco products are problematic, but public awareness and reporting can help.
- Challenges include tobacco industry interference, limited manpower for enforcement, and coordination among various departments. The speaker cited the importance of implementing CA section 6B firmly and section 7 of the Juvenile Justice Act. Finally, awareness and reporting violations of existing laws is a critical.
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