Shillong: In a recent development, the West Khasi Hills Police took decisive action against shops selling tobacco products near schools in Nongstoiñ. This operation aimed to raise awareness among shopkeepers regarding the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act 2003 (COTPA).
During the inspection, numerous shops were penalized with fines for violating the law by selling tobacco products in close proximity to schools, including St. Xavier Secondary School, Public School, Anderson Higher Secondary School, JJM Higher Secondary School, Sibsing Memorial Government Higher Secondary School, and others. This action serves as a reminder to all shopkeepers that there is a legal prohibition against selling tobacco products within 100 yards of school premises, with the authorities committed to enforcing this crucial regulation.
