ISLAMABAD: The administration of capital city has banned retail sale of tobacco without a licence, official sources said.
According to sources in Excise Department of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), more than 1,000 notices were issued to tobacco retailers in the capital during the ongoing month as a warning and were asked to get their licences at earliest. Under the Tobacco Vendors Act (TVA) passed in 1958, all tobacco retailers had to be licensed before they can start their business. The source said that TVA was only implemented for a few years and by the early 60s, retailers had stopped getting their licences. Through licences to retailers, government endeavors to implement laws regarding tobacco sale while data about the retailers and their sales can be collected easily.
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By getting licensed, the source said that retailers will have to submit an undertaking that they will not sell tobacco products to someone under 18. He said sellers will not be able to sell loose cigarettes and they cannot set up a tobacco-selling point within 50 yards of any educational institute. The source said that the district administration is committed to implement the law in the capital so that sale and use of tobacco can be easily monitored. He said it will enable the government to generate revenue for the government because retailers will have to pay Rs 2,000 every year for it and will also regulate the sale of cigarettes and other products.
