In a proactive effort to ensure adherence to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, the Mangkolemba Town Council conducted an unannounced inspection on April 30, 2025, at various establishments throughout the town. To ensure compliance with the Tobacco Control Law, the inspection aimed specifically at enforcing Section 6(B) of the Act, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions.
The operation was coordinated with local law enforcement, Dobashis, and the Mangkolemba Town Students' Union (MTSU). The inspection team examined multiple shops and street vendors, as a result of this operation, 17 shops were found to be in violation for selling tobacco products in prohibited areas.
Items seized, including cigarettes and other tobacco products, were disposed of publicly with the presence of the Town Councillor, Dobashis, Watsu Mungdang, representatives from the MTSU and Business Union, as well as security personnel, underscoring the town's dedication to maintaining public health standards.
After the inspection, a meeting was conducted and during which it was decided to rigorously implement the Tobacco Vendor License (TVL) requirement under Section 6(B) under Mangkolemba in the near future. The council underscored the necessity for all vendors to secure valid licenses for selling tobacco products and to comply with zoning regulations in order to avoid penalties.
Officials remarked that this initiative is part of a continuous effort to establish a tobacco-free environment for students and to educate local shopkeepers about the legal restrictions. First-time offenders received warning notices, while those who repeatedly violated the regulations faced more severe consequences.
A representative of the Town Council stated, "We are dedicated to safeguarding the youth from the detrimental effects of tobacco. Enforcing COTPA 2003 is a vital measure towards achieving this goal."
The council also invited the community to support this initiative by reporting any violations and urged them to take part in raising awareness about the negative impacts of tobacco.
(APRO, Mangkolemba)
