BENGALURU, 13 MARCH

Bengaluru City Police has directed hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs to remove illegal Designated Smoking Areas (DSA).

In the wake of National No Smoking Day celebrated on 13 March, the City police said establishments should adhere to smoke-free laws outlined in Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 and subsequent amendments. The establishments should remove all illegal DSAs that do not comply with COTPA regulations and follow a circular issued by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike on 28 August, 2018.

DSAs must be established with specified guidelines, including adequate ventilation and clear demarcation to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, the City police said in ‘X’ platform. Food, beverages or tobacco products should be prohibited in DSAs to discourage smoking and to ensure the safety of non-smokers. Establishments are also required to prominently display signage, indicating DSA rules and regulations, police said.

On National No Smoking Day, the police urged cooperation and compliance from establishments to promote public health and foster a smoke-free environment. Police said they will conduct routine inspections to enforce compliance, with violators facing penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or potential cancellation of trade licences.