In a sweeping public health reform, the Karnataka government has enforced a new anti-tobacco law that bans hookah bars, raises the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, and introduces stricter penalties for violations, PTI reported.
The changes come after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on May 23 to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024.
As per the revised Act, using tobacco in public places—defined to include both smoking and spitting—is prohibited. While exemptions for designated smoking areas are allowed in hotels with over 30 rooms, restaurants with 30+ seat capacity, and airports, general public spaces remain strictly off-limits.
One of the most notable features of the amendment is a complete ban on hookah bars, regardless of whether they are located in pubs, cafes, or standalone lounges.
The law defines a hookah bar as any establishment offering communal hookah or narghile smoking. Violators could face imprisonment ranging from one to three years, along with fines between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1,00,000.
The amended law also prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 and bans tobacco sales within 100 meters of educational institutions. It further outlaws selling tobacco in loose or single sticks—a common practice in local markets.
To strengthen enforcement, penalties under Sections 21, 24, and 28 of the Act have been increased fivefold—from ₹200 to ₹1,000—for smoking in public or selling tobacco to minors and young adults.
The Karnataka government’s move aligns with growing calls from health experts and activists nationwide for tougher tobacco regulations, especially to deter youth consumption.
(With inputs from PTI)
The changes come after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on May 23 to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024.
As per the revised Act, using tobacco in public places—defined to include both smoking and spitting—is prohibited. While exemptions for designated smoking areas are allowed in hotels with over 30 rooms, restaurants with 30+ seat capacity, and airports, general public spaces remain strictly off-limits.
One of the most notable features of the amendment is a complete ban on hookah bars, regardless of whether they are located in pubs, cafes, or standalone lounges.
The law defines a hookah bar as any establishment offering communal hookah or narghile smoking. Violators could face imprisonment ranging from one to three years, along with fines between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1,00,000.
The amended law also prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 and bans tobacco sales within 100 meters of educational institutions. It further outlaws selling tobacco in loose or single sticks—a common practice in local markets.
To strengthen enforcement, penalties under Sections 21, 24, and 28 of the Act have been increased fivefold—from ₹200 to ₹1,000—for smoking in public or selling tobacco to minors and young adults.
The Karnataka government’s move aligns with growing calls from health experts and activists nationwide for tougher tobacco regulations, especially to deter youth consumption.
(With inputs from PTI)
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