1 Oct : The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland has issued a notice in public interest and welfare, and informed all concerned that tobacco in its various forms creates health hazards and is a major public health problem. Accepting this reality, the government of India has enacted the Tobacco Prohibition Act and prohibition of tobacco smoking in public places will be implemented nationwide effective from 2nd October 2008.
The following are the public places where smoking is totally prohibited by law and any violation against this provision will be inviting legal action – Auditorium, Hospital buildings, Health centers, Amusement centers, Restaurants, Public offices, Court buildings, Educational institutions, Libraries, Public conveyance, Stadium, Railway stations, Bus stop, Work places, Shopping malls, Cinema halls, Refreshment rooms, Discotheques, Coffee house, Pubs, Bars, Airport lounges etc.
Therefore, public are informed to abstain from smoking in public places to avoid legal consequences, a release from the Director, Family Welfare, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare stated.