In a significant step toward promoting public health and curbing tobacco use, the Karnataka government has amended the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), increasing the penalty for smoking in public places from ₹200 to ₹1,000. The new rule has come into effect following a gazette notification and is part of broader changes intended to discourage tobacco consumption and ensure cleaner public spaces.
Alongside the increased fine, the legal age for purchasing tobacco products in the state has been raised from 18 to 21 years. This move is aimed at reducing the initiation of tobacco use among youth, who are particularly vulnerable to addiction. Additionally, a new section introduced under the law bans the operation of hookah bars in any form — including within restaurants, bars, or private lounges. Violators may face imprisonment ranging from one to three years, along with fines between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000.
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These amendments were announced during Karnataka’s budget session and reflect the state’s commitment to enforcing stricter tobacco control policies. The changes are also in line with national efforts to reduce tobacco-related health risks and protect citizens from secondhand smoke exposure.
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