Ban on Sale of Loose Cigarettes

The expert panel constituted by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has inter alia, recommended prohibition on sale of loose or single stick of cigarette, increasing the minimum legal age for sale of tobacco products, increasing the fine or penalty amounts for violation of certain provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA), as well as making such offences cognizable. 

 

The Ministry has accepted the recommendations of the Committee and a draft Note for Cabinet has been circulated for Inter - Ministerial consultation. 

 

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.