VASCO: The Mormugao taluka enforcement squad along with GOACAN conducted surprise inspection in Vasco town on Monday morning. Fines on 13 shops for violating COPTA act was imposed during inspection.
The surprise inspection was held in Vasco town by enforcement squad to check the compliance of Section 4 and Section 6A of COPTA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act). During this inspection several shops from Vasco market were seen openly displaying tobacco products in their stalls. “The people who were involved in violation knew that there is a school within 100 yards distance but they are openly selling the tobacco products,” said Roland Martins of GOACAN.
During the raid, challans were issued for non-display of no smoking in a public place signage as required under Section 4 by Bars and restaurants and to stalls selling cigarettes and other tobacco products for violation of Section 6(a) for non display of signage “Sale of Tobacco Products to a person below the age of 18 years is punishable offence.”
A amount of Rs 3400 was collected as fine from 13 establishments from Vasco town for violations. Joint Mamlatdar-III Dhiren Banaulikar and GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins along with police personnel conducted the drive. The taluka enforcement squad will submit its report to South Goa District Collector for further action as the World No Tobacco Day is on May 31.
