Back in 2010, the Maharashtra government gave authority to schools and colleges to fine gutkha and cigarette sellers, if they found selling the same within 100 meters of school premises. However, despite a ban, many shops are still running their illegal business.
The same can be seen in Juhu, where many shops are selling illegal liquor and cigarettes within 100 metres of St. George School premises. When the school wrote to the excise department, instead of acknowledging the complaint, they asked school authorities to mention about their entry gates if they are legal or not.
One cannot sell gutkha or liquor within 100 metres of school premises, yet there are shops selling the same stuff. Excise department's reply startled us. We don't understand the significance of gates and shop. These shops need to shut down as it is impacting our school children,” Godfrey Pimenta, Trustee.
It is clearly mentioned in Cigarettes and other tobacco products Act, 2003 (COPTA) that sale and advertisement of tobacco and related products are banned within 100 meters of educational institutes and airports.
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