Smoking ban comes into effect

The ban on lighting up rolled tobacco in public places came into effect from Thursday with hotels, restaurants, pubs, offices and even the international airports becoming out of bounds for smokers.

The ban will also cover even hookah bars and pubs as well as private offices and public places like bus stops.

Union Health Ministry issued a notification for the ban under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution), Act 2003.

Though Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had written letters to Chief Secretaries, Chief Ministers and Governors of all the states, some states like Bihar and Maharashtra have expressed their inability to implement the ban.

However, governments of Jharkhand, Delhi and Chattisgarh have already extended the ban in their states.

The ban has evoked mixed response from smokers and non-smokers with some calling it a "draconian" measure while others consider it a "god-send" gift that may help them in

bringing down the intake of nicotine and reduce cutting a hole in their wallets.

"It is good for smokers, at least they will smoke less. It is good for the pocket as you buy less cigarettes as well as for your health," says Chandrakumar, who could not quit

smoking despite taking several "New Year resolutions".

A top official with a Central Ministry, who requested anonymity, says it is a "god-send gift" which would help him quit the habit of lighting up rolled-up tobacco whenever he is in stress.

Also see: How the world stubs it out