PANAJI
The Tiswadi taluka COTPA Enforcement Squad penalised an establishment found selling cigarettes within 100 yards of two schools.
An inspection drive in Panaji also saw the issuance of 12 challans under Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) for not displaying mandatory ‘No Smoking’ sign boards. A total fine of Rs 2,400 was collected from grocery shops, wine stores, fast food kiosks, bars and restaurants.
GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins, assisting the drive, stated that an establishment was found selling cigarettes within 100 yards of two schools near the Panaji church.
“Cigarette packets were seized and a fine was imposed under Section 6(a) of COTPA. The Mamlatdar said he will write to the Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and the District Collector for further action against the violator,” he said.
In a related development, the CCP sealed the premises of a business establishment at Neuginagar for operating without a valid trade licence since 2018. The action followed complaints filed before the Consumer Conciliation Committee (CCC) of the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. Martins said that the consumers had alleged that payments made for appliance repairs were not honoured with services for several months.
Acting on the CCC’s alert, the CCP Commissioner initiated proceedings, with staff sealing the premises under police protection.
