Sat May 31 16:32:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Karnataka government has significantly tightened its tobacco control laws by amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Key changes include increasing fines for violations, raising the legal purchasing age, banning chewing and spitting tobacco in public, prohibiting the sale of loose cigarettes, banning sales within 100 meters of educational institutions, and outlawing hookah bars. Designated smoking areas are still allowed in certain establishments with increased penalties for violations. The amendments aim to safeguard public health, especially among young people, and are hailed as a significant step towards achieving tobacco control in Karnataka.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Toughens Tobacco Laws, Bans Hookah Bars and Raises Purchase Age**

**Bengaluru, May 31, 2025** – On World No Tobacco Day, the Karnataka government announced sweeping changes to its tobacco control laws, signaling a major crackdown on tobacco use and availability, particularly among young people. The amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, were approved by President Droupadi Murmu on May 23rd and officially published in the Karnataka Gazette yesterday.

Among the most significant changes is an increase in the maximum fine for violations, rising from ₹200 to ₹1,000. The legal age for purchasing tobacco products has also been raised from 18 to 20 years old. The amended Act now explicitly prohibits chewing and spitting tobacco in public places. Further, the sale of loose cigarettes or single sticks is now banned and the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of any educational institution has been strictly prohibited.

A complete ban on hookah bars across the state, regardless of their location, is now in effect. Operating a hookah bar will now result in imprisonment of one to three years and fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.

While designated smoking areas (DSAs) will still be permitted in larger hotels, restaurants, and airports, penalties for violations within these areas have also been increased substantially.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized that these amendments are a crucial part of the government’s strategy to protect public health, particularly the youth.

Surgical oncologist Dr. U.S. Vishal Rao, a member of the State government’s High-Powered Committee on Tobacco Control, lauded the amendments as a significant step forward. “The amended Act makes enforcement more stringent, reducing the accessibility of these products to youth who are the main targets of the tobacco companies,” he said.

Following the announcement, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda has called on proprietors of hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs to remove illegal designated smoking areas (DSAs) or rooms which are not compliant with COTPA rules. He also reminded establishments that providing of food, water, beverages, or any tobacco products within DSAs is strictly prohibited.

The amended act aims to further reduce tobacco use and improve public health in Karnataka.

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