Smoking Zones: BBMP Guidelines on Smoking Zones in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: For the protection non-smoker, BBMP He revealed guidelines adjust smoking areas in public places where you can eat and in shelters throughout the city.
As per the guidelines, establishments such as bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the municipal body to be allowed to designate designated smoking areas (DSA). The guidelines, formulated in late June, cover hotels with 30 or more rooms and restaurants with a capacity to accommodate 30 or more people.
BBMP officials cited the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, which prohibits smoking in Public placesas a basis for regulations. The guidelines are in line with a recent court order requiring permission from the relevant authorities to create smoking areas.
As Bengaluru’s population has crossed 1.3 crore, BBMP officials have expressed concern over the rising number of non-communicable diseases. “Protecting children and non-smokers is our prime responsibility,” a BBMP official said.
The new process requires landlords to apply for NOC online by uploading photos of their premises and proposed smoking areas. Applications will be processed by the BBMP Tobacco Control Cell and on-site inspections will be conducted within 30 days of application. The application fee is Rs 4,000. An NOC sanctioning committee, headed by the BBMP Special Commissioner (Health), will oversee the approval process. A technical committee will also be constituted to monitor the implementation of these guidelines across the city.
The BBMP estimates that over 2,000 establishments currently provide designated smoking areas. These establishments will now be able to obtain the required NOC to comply with the new regulations.
The initiative comes in the wake of the BBMP’s recent formulation of guidelines for licensing tobacco vendors. An official order is expected to be issued soon to implement both sets of guidelines.

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