Stricter Tobacco Regulations Implemented in Karnataka: Age Limit Increased, Hookah Bars Prohibited, and Public Smoking Fines Amplified to Rs 1,000
Karnataka Amends Tobacco Control Law, Raises Purchase Age and Bans Hookah Bars
The Karnataka government has enacted substantial amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), initially introduced in 2003. Now known as the COTPA (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024, this updated legislation received presidential assent on May 23 and was published in the state gazette on May 30.
The reforms are designed to tighten tobacco control measures significantly, as highlighted below:
- Age Limit for Tobacco Purchases The legal age for purchasing tobacco products has been raised from 18 to 21 years, following suit with states such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat that have set similar restrictions.
- Ban on Loose Cigarettes and Single Sticks Sales The law now prohibits the selling of loose cigarettes or single sticks, striving to reduce impulse buying and youth access.
- Prohibition Near Educational Institutions The sale of tobacco products is now strictly forbidden within 100 meters of any educational institution.
- Increased Penalties The fines under Sections 21, 24, and 28—which cover smoking in public places and selling tobacco to minors—have been escalated from ₹200 to ₹1,000.
- Total Ban on Hookah Bars A new Section 4A now disallows the establishment and operation of hookah bars in any setting, including restaurants, pubs, cafes, and eating houses. Violators could face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 3 years and fines of between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh under Section 21A.
- Expanded Public Usage Ban Section 4 has been broadened to encompass not only smoking but also the spitting of tobacco in public spaces.
These reforms, effective from May 30, 2025, underscore Karnataka’s commitment to enhancing its tobacco control framework and curbing youth addiction. The legislation aligns with Article 47 of the Constitution, which mandates state action to safeguard public health, and includes provisions for the prohibition of herbal hookahs due to the presence of harmful substances like nicotine and molasses.
- The defi market boldly speculates on the implications of Karnataka's stricter tobacco control laws for the finance sector, as companies in the health-and-wellness industry might benefit from reduced tobacco consumption.
- With the enactment of the COTPA (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024, Karnataka's policy-and-legislation landscape demonstrates commitment to public health, reflecting its dedication to Article 47 of the Constitution.
- The general news section is abuzz with discussions on Karnataka's ban on hookah bars, raising questions about how restaurants, pubs, cafes, and eating houses will adapt to the new regulations within the realm of politics.
- As science continues to uncover the detrimental effects of nicotine and molasses in herbal hookahs, the amendments to Karnataka's tobacco control law further propel the conversation around the need for comprehensive policies in the field of public health and nutrition.
