Daily Times

LAHORE: The district administration on Saturday sealed 56 shops, registered 16 FIRs, imposed Rs 55,000 fine and issued 64 warnings to cigarette selling shop owners who were violating the Cigarette and Tobacco Act.

Four days ago, the district administration took a decision to strictly implement the act in the city. District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Captain (r) Muhammad Usman had passed directions to all town administrations to conduct a massive crackdown in their respective areas to ensure strict implementation of the Cigarette and Tabaco Act. He directed the administrations not to allow any shopkeeper to sell cigarette within 50 yards of an educational institution, and refrain shopkeepers from selling cigarette to any person below the age of 18 years.

On Saturday, towns’ officials sealed 38 shops, as these shops were establishment within 50 yards of educational institutions, and arrested 14 shopkeepers after registration of FIRs.

According to statistics, Shalimar Town sealed eight shops, Wahga Town sealed three, Gulberg sealed five, DGBT sealed two, Nishter Town sealed six, Ravi Town 10 and Iqbal Town four.

A fine amounting Rs 55,000 was also imposed on shopkeepers on violation of the act. Similarly, two shopkeepers were arrested on violation of selling cigarette to children below the age of 18 years.

As far as smoking on public places is concerned, towns’ officials visited restaurants and cafes and issued 64 warnings to the owners as well as people who were smoking.

DCO Muhammad Usman said that crackdown would continue until full and solid implementation on the said act. He also appealed the citizens to inform the concerned town administration if any shopkeeper was found selling cigarette to children below the age of 18 years.