VASCO: To check the violations under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the Mormugao Taluka Enforcement Squad on Monday during an inspection in Vasco booked cases for violation of Section 4 and 6 (a) under the Act and recovered fines to the tune of Rs 2,600 mostly from hotels and bars and restaurants.
The squad led by Joint Mamlatdar III Dhiren Banavalikar and GOACAN co-ordinator Roland Martins were accompanied by the mamlatdar office staff and policemen.
“During the inspection, the squad found the violation of Section 4 of COTPA even in a Bank and at a fair price shop, the findings of which will be reported to the South Goa District Collector,” Martins said.
He said to ensure the compliance of Section 4 of COTPA in bars, restaurants and hotels the squad will recommend to the South Collector to call for a joint meeting with the chief officer of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) and officials of the departments of Food and Drug Administration, Excise, Civil Supplies and Tourism soon.
“As a follow up to the recent meeting of the District Level Co-ordination Committee for Tobacco Control held in Margao, the Mormugao Taluka Enforcement Squad will focus on the new specific health warning for tobacco product packs applicable from September 1, 2019 and the revised guidelines for tobacco free educational institutions in its future drives,” Martins added.
