PANJIM: Consumer and Civic Rights Forum GOACAN has slammed blatant violation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (COTPA) Act 2003 and COTPA Rules 2004 by several commercial establishments and work places across the State.
The forum, during a meeting with the North Collector on Tuesday, sought for a stricter implementation of the Central Act as well as banning unchecked foreign cigarettes.
“The premises put up boards banning smoking but nobody checks for its implementation. Some people smoke right in front of the anti-smoking board. This is total violation of the Act,” GOACAN convener Roland Martins alleged. He added, “The foreign cigarettes such as China made ‘win cigarettes’ have entered local market which are cheaper than Indian products. The youth are also falling prey to all this. These foreign tobacco products don’t even go through customs check. We want a total ban on tobacco products.”
He demanded coordination among various agencies to ensure proper and strict enforcement of the law.
