adminTobacco consumption continues to be the leading preventable cause of death in the developing countries, especially like India. In the state of West Bengal, about one-third of the adult population use tobacco in some form – smoked and smokeless. Tobacco sales to minors are often lucrative and these injurious products are commonly sold throughout West Bengal in a variety of retail settings, including permanent and temporary structures. Besides, evidences and literature studies have also demonstrated that higher tobacco vendor density is associated with increased youth experimentation, and increased youth and adult tobacco use.
Introduction of Tobacco Vendor Licensing system will regulate the numbers of unlawful Point of Sale including street / mobile vendors selling tobacco products.
Procedure for Tobacco Vendor Licensing:
West Bengal Municipal Act, 1993 and West Bengal Municipal Corporation Act, 2006 In accordance to the powers conferred under the West Bengal Municipal Act, 1993 (West Bengal Act XXII of 1993), section 201 and as per West Bengal Municipal Corporation Act, 2006 section 273 (Schedule IV) mandates that for use of any premises for non-residential purposes, a license must be obtained from Chairman/Municipal Commissioner. The provisions under the respective sections further stipulate:
(1) No person shall use or permit to be used any premises for any of the non-residential purposes as mentioned in Schedule II, without or otherwise than in conformity with a license granted by the Chairman (Mayor)/Municipal Commissioner in this behalf on such terms and conditions as may be determined by regulations.
(2) The Board of Councilors shall determine by regulations a scale of fee to be paid for the issue of license in respect of premises used for non-residential purposes.
