Nationwide ban on smoking in public place

The health Minister Anbumani RamadossAnbumani Ramadoss has succesfully brought in a legislation banning smoking in public place across India from 2nd October 2008. While some of the states are confused about the implementation some states have implemented immediately. Under existing law Rs.200/- will be collected as fine for each infringement.

As per the notification GSR 417(E) dated 30th May 2008, the Central government has revised the rules relating to "Smoking in Public Places" with effect from 2nd October 2008. The Salient feature of this rule includes

Smoking is strictly prohibited ijn all Public places. "Public places" includes auditoriums, hospitals, health centers, amusement centers, restaurents, hotels, Public offices, courts, educational institutions, libraries, Public conveniences, refreshment rooms, stadiums, railway and bus stops, any workplace including private ones, shopping malls, cinema halls, discotheques, coffee houses, pubs, bars, airports etc.

Any violation of this act is a punishable offence with a fine upto Rs.200/- on each infringment.

However, a hotel having 30 plus rooms or restaurents having seating capasity of 30 or more and airports can provide seperate smoking area.

The owner, propriter, manager, supervisor, in charge of the affairs of the public place shall enforce and ensure that

1. No person smokes in public places under his jurisdiction/implied

2. The board as specified in schedule II of the rules; is displayed prominently at the entrances of the Public place and conspicious places inside.

3. No ashrtrayes, matches, lighters, or other things designed to facilitate smoking are provided in the public place.

The owner, propriter, manager, supervisor or in charge of the affairs of the public place shall notify and display prominently the name of the person to whom a complaint of any violation may be made.

The owner, propriter, manager, supervisor or in charge of the affairs of the public fails to act on report of such violation, the The owner, propriter, manager, supervisor or in charge of the affairs of the public or the authorized officer shall be liable to pay a fine equivalant to the number of individual offences.

The ministry will operate a toll free national helpline (1800-11-44-24) which people can call to place their complaints.