Punjab cracks down on unlicensed tobacco shops

Chandigarh: Punjab has ordered closure of all tobacco shops which do not have a licence for sale of tobacco products.

"The Punjab government has issued directions to all municipal corporation commissioners to ensure closure of all tobacco vends/shops in the state running without any licence under Punjab Tobacco Vends Fees Act-1953," a spokesman of the local government said here on Sunday.

Director (Local Government) Priyank Bharti has directed municipal officials to check all the shops selling tobacco in their respective areas and order immediate closure if they are being run without the required permit.

Principal health secretary Vini Mahajan said that sale of chewable tobacco and loose cigarettes has already been banned in Punjab and a commercial establishment's licence could be revoked if it violates the Tobacco Control Act.