<p class="bodytext">The district tobacco control cell has booked 470 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) from April till date and collected a fine of Rs 67,300, said Deputy Commissioner Dr Bagadi Gautham. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Speaking at a coordination committee meeting on Monday, he said the<br />sale of tobacco products in and around the schools and colleges has been banned. If anyone is found selling tobacco products to below 18-year-olds, then licenses of such shops can be suspended.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The urban local bodies and gram panchayats should issue trade licenses only after confirming adherence to the conditions in COTPA. </p>.<p class="bodytext">He said there is a need to create awareness among students on the ill effects of tobacco products. To come out of tobacco addiction, one needs to get treated at the Tobacco Cessation Centre. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Kumar, DHO Dr Prabhu and others were present. </p>
<p class="bodytext">The district tobacco control cell has booked 470 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) from April till date and collected a fine of Rs 67,300, said Deputy Commissioner Dr Bagadi Gautham. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Speaking at a coordination committee meeting on Monday, he said the<br />sale of tobacco products in and around the schools and colleges has been banned. If anyone is found selling tobacco products to below 18-year-olds, then licenses of such shops can be suspended.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The urban local bodies and gram panchayats should issue trade licenses only after confirming adherence to the conditions in COTPA. </p>.<p class="bodytext">He said there is a need to create awareness among students on the ill effects of tobacco products. To come out of tobacco addiction, one needs to get treated at the Tobacco Cessation Centre. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Kumar, DHO Dr Prabhu and others were present. </p>