
BBMP, police launch drive to ensure compulsory license to sell tobacco products
As part of No Tobacco Day observed on May 31, the city police, along with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has launched a special drive and made license compulsory for shops and commercial establishments to sell tobacco products .
' We have launched strict enforcement and surprise checks and inspections at shops, bars, and restaurants to check on illegal sale and consumption of tobacco products,' City Police Commissioner, B. Dayananda, said .
The police have been asked to monitor the sale of tobacco products to minors and at restricted areas such as around schools and colleges and take strict action.
Awareness programmes are being held to inform shopkeepers and owners of commercial establishments about the license for the sale of tobacco products along with the trade license. The police officials and BBMP marshals have been directed to take stringent measures to ensure that the rules are being followed strictly .
Since 2024 to April this year, the city police have booked as many as 57,130 cases against the violators under COTPA and collected a fine of ₹ 80.08 lakh, he added .

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