the goan I network
MARGAO
The Salcete Taluka Enforcement Squad conducted inspections in Margao to check violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA). The Enforcement Squad booked cases for violation of Section 4 and 6 (a) and recovered fines of Rs 2100 mainly from kiosks and bars & restaurants.
The squad which was led by Joint Mamlatdar IV Madhu Narvekar and Goacan co-ordinator Roland Martins were accompanied by the Sanitary Inspector, Margao UHC, Mamlatdar office staff and police personnel of Margao police station. The squad which covered the area near the flyover and Cine Lata found violations under Section 4 of COTPA at bars which have licences from the Excise Department and restaurants which have licences from the Directorate of Food & Drug Administration and the same will be reported to the South Goa District Collector.
To ensure the compliance of Section 4 of COTPA in bars, restaurants and kiosks, the Enforcement Squad will recommend to the South Goa District Collector for a joint meeting at the taluka level with MMC Chief Officer and officials of the Departments of Food & Drug Administration, Excise and Civil Supplies.
As a follow up to the recent meeting of the South Goa District Level Co-ordination Committee for Tobacco Control held in Margao, the Salcete Taluka Enforcement Squad will focus on the new specific health warning for tobacco product packs applicable from September 1, 2019, the revised guidelines for tobacco free educational institutions and the display of the signage ‘Tobacco Free Zone’ in its future drives from January 2020.
Martins told the media that the committee will submit a detailed report to the district Collector, South on the raids, with a plea to direct the MMC to examine case by case and get the traders comply with the guidelines on cigarettes for sale. He pointed out that the traders will be made to give undertaking to the MMC that they will follow the guidelines.
