JAMSHEDPUR: The Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee and the Mango Notified Area Committee on Saturday issued notifications mandating shops and kiosks selling tobacco products to get a special license. The order came into force on Sunday.
As per the order, shops selling tobacco products will not be able to sell other items like chips, biscuits, chocolates and bread. Any tobacco seller found storing or selling non-tobacco products will be liable for legal action.
Sources said that the state health department had directed the civic bodies to act tough against tobacco sellers operating without proper licence and ensure that those having it do not sell any other items.
The move has been welcomed by health professionals. Dr Anita Banerjee, formerly with the MGMMCH, said: “The move of the administration will result in fewer tobacco shops and, in turn, impact the availability of cigarettes and pan masalas.â€
She, however, pointed out that steps need to be taken on the ground too. Although gutka is banned in the state, it is easily available in every neighbourhood, Banerjee added.
Teacher Joyoti Roy said shops near schools should not get any license to sell tobacco products. She added that students are developing the habit of smoking or chewing gutka and pan masala owing to the availability of such products.
Meanwhile, tobacco sellers felt their business would be adversely affected by the decision of the civic bodies. A shopkeeper in Sonari market said on the condition of anonymity that officials would harass them even more for bribe after this decision.