Today, Maharashtra becomes the first state to initiate the ban on the sale of loose cigarettes for the purposes of customers seeing the “graphic, public health warnings.”
The ban was first notified on September 24, the Times of India reported.
Cardiologist, Dr. Pradeep Vyas said, “The decision is according to the Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce Production, Supply & Distribution Act, 2003, regarding cigarette and tobacco products.” The ban was signed by the principal secretary.
The intent behind the ban was also aimed at youth and adults of lower incomes as cigarettes are now not as affordable with the higher taxes imposed, cancer surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi reported.
