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Key Points

The Karnataka government has significantly increased fines for tobacco usage in public spaces to Rs 1,000, aiming to curb health risks associated with smoking. Alongside this, the state has announced a strict prohibition on hookah bars, with violators facing up to three years in jail. These measures form part of a broader legislative strategy, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, to limit tobacco consumption among young individuals by raising the legal purchase age from 18 to 21. These changes place Karnataka on par with other forward-thinking Indian states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, all dedicated to enhancing public health through rigorous anti-tobacco policies.

Key Points: Karnataka Hikes Tobacco Fine 5x and Bans Hookah Bars Statewide

  • Karnataka fines for tobacco use rise to Rs 1,000
  • Hookah bars face up to 3 years jail term
  • Legal age for tobacco raised from 18 to 21
  • Aligns with national anti-tobacco efforts
2 min read

Karnataka hikes tobacco fine to Rs 1,000; up to 3 years jail for hookah bars

Karnataka raises tobacco fines to Rs 1,000, bans hookah bars, enforcing strict new laws.

"No person shall open or operate a hookah bar in any location. - Governor's Secretary, G. Sridhar"

Bengaluru, May 31

The Karnataka government has published a gazette notification increasing the fine for public use of cigarettes and tobacco products from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000. The government has also raised the minimum legal age for purchasing cigarettes and tobacco products from 18 to 21 years, according to a statement issued by the Health Ministry on Saturday.

Additionally, the government has banned the opening or operation of hookah bars across the state. The order has been issued in the name of the Governor by the Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation, G. Sridhar.

This decision follows the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on May 23 to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The new Act amends the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (Central Act 34 of 2003) as it applies to the state of Karnataka.

The amendment specifies that no person shall use tobacco products in any public place. The term "use" includes both smoking and spitting of tobacco.

The sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products is now prohibited: To any person under the age of 21 years; within a 100-meter radius of any educational institution; in loose form or as single sticks.

The Act also states that no person shall open or operate a hookah bar, either individually or on behalf of another person, in any location—including eating houses, pubs, bars, or restaurants—regardless of what they are called.

According to the new provisions, anyone who violates Section 4A of the Act shall be punishable with: Imprisonment of not less than one year, which may extend up to three years; a fine of not less than Rs 50,000, which may go up to Rs 1 lakh.

The Act further allows that in hotels with 30 or more rooms, restaurants with a seating capacity of 30 or more, and at airports, a designated smoking area or space may be provided.

Karnataka joins the league of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat states, which have implemented similar amendments to strengthen public health protections against tobacco use.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse user comments reflecting Indian perspectives on the Karnataka tobacco regulations:
P
Priya K.
Great move by Karnataka govt! 👏 Tobacco is destroying our youth. Just yesterday I saw school kids smoking near my colony. The ₹1000 fine will make people think twice before lighting up in public. Hope other states follow soon.
R
Rahul M.
While I agree with the health concerns, this feels like another way to harass common people. What about proper enforcement? Police will use this to extract bribes from poor pan shop owners while big restaurants will find loopholes.
A
Ananya S.
As a doctor from Bengaluru, I fully support this. 90% of oral cancer cases I see are tobacco-related. The hookah bar ban is especially important - many college students think it's "cool" without realizing the health risks. Prevention is better than cure!
V
Vikram J.
Good intention but poor execution. Raising age limit to 21 won't stop teens from smoking - they'll just get older friends to buy. Govt should focus more on awareness programs in schools rather than just punishments.
S
Sunita R.
Finally! The spitting ban is what I'm most happy about. Walking through markets is disgusting with paan stains everywhere. Hope BBMP actually enforces this properly. Our cities need to be cleaner and healthier. 🇮🇳

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