By IANS,
Ranchi : Jharkhand Friday banned the use of tobacco products at public places, including offices, hotels and railway stations.
“The use of tobacco at public places is banned. Those found violating the ban will be punished with a fine of Rs.200,” says a notification by the state health department.
Elaborating as to what all would qualify as public places, it adds: “Public places mean bus stops, cinema halls, shopping malls, offices, stadiums, railway station, parks, hotels, restaurants and other places”.
The notification also states that tobacco products include “bidis, cigarettes, cigars, Gutka and betel leaves”.
While selling tobacco to people under 18 years of age is illegal, it’s use has been banned within a 100-metre radius of educational institutions.