Let There (Not) Be Light-Up: To Sell Cigarettes In Karnataka, You Will Soon Need A Special Licence

In an attempt to curb the access to cigarettes and other tobacco-related products near educational institutes, the Government of Karnataka has decided to bring in new regulations that will require shops to obtain a special licence in order to be able to sell the same.

Minister for Urban Development UT Khader (who was also the former Minister of Health) was quoted by The News Minute as saying, “At a recent quarterly meeting, we learnt that the tobacco products, especially cigarettes and beedis, are being sold in small shops and retail stores near schools. In addition to a normal trade licence, shop owners should get a special licence to sell tobacco. If this happens, we can not only curb the sale of tobacco, but also the sale of substances like ganja near educational institutions.”

He added that, “We are still holding talks and discussions regarding the feasibility of formulating new rules for the sale of tobacco products and bring in special licences, which would be necessary to sell tobacco products. The licenses can be obtained from the urban local body of the respective areas.”

This rule comes as part of the 20-point Karnataka Development Programme.