40+ Shops Fined for Selling Tobacco to Students

In Dehradun, a significant crackdown has led to the penalization of over 40 shops and establishments. These businesses, located in the Bidholi and Selaqui areas, were found selling tobacco products and cigarettes within 100 meters of educational institutions. This action directly addresses violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which strictly prohibits such sales near schools and colleges and also bars sales to minors.

Health department officials have acknowledged the persistent difficulties in enforcing these regulations. To bolster efforts, the department has formally requested assistance from the Dehradun police, specifically asking for help in enforcing prohibitions on tobacco sales to minors and imposing fines on repeat offenders. Educators in the city, however, have voiced continued worries, noting that despite such drives, the problem of tobacco, narcotics, and alcohol accessibility to students remains widespread, especially given Dehradun's status as an education hub.