In a pioneering step to curb tobacco consumption, the Rajasthan government has introduced vendor licensing for the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products. A circular of the Department of Local Self-Government has laid down rules for licensing and prohibited tobacco sale outlets from selling non-tobacco products.
Non-tobacco items
The State government has made procuring of licence mandatory for sale of tobacco products within the boundaries of urban local bodies across the State. Besides, the licensed vendors will not be allowed to sell kid-friendly non-tobacco items at the shops. These items may include toffee, candy, biscuits, wafers and cold drinks.
The circular, issued on January 4, has stated that the failure to comply with the new provisions would attract strict action under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
