In a bid to tackle the alarming rates of tobacco use and cancer incidence, Nagaland has introduced the Tobacco Vendor licensing in the state. According to a statement by the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW), the Nagaland government has approved the modalities for implementation of Tobacco Vendor License(TVL) on January 16, 2024 which was then circulated to all the Urban Local Bodies(ULB) on February 6.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), 43.3 percent of adults in Nagaland are tobacco users, with 43 percent of school-going children (13-15 years) also reported to be using tobacco, as per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4). Notably, there is high prevalence of cancer in the State.
The Union Health Ministry, In 2021, issued a directive to all state governments, recommending the licensing of tobacco vendors as a pivotal step towards enforcing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA 2003).
This mechanism was developed to provide permission authorisation through ULBs to the retail shops selling tobacco and/or nicotine to enhance the enforcement of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA 2003) and to make licensing policy mandatory for tobacco vendors in the state, mentioned the DoHFW.
The licensing system is expected to curtail illicit trade and enhance revenue to the civic body . The guidelines for issuing TVL is any person who is carrying on intends to carry on retail business of tobacco products should make an application to the concerned ULB, on receipt of application ULB within two months from the receipt of application will grant TVL. The important features of of the TVL includes:
It shall be issued for 1 year and can be renewed on payment. TVL shall not be granted to vendors in an area within a radius of 300ft of any educational institution or other youth-oriented locations or residential zones, TVL shall not be granted to vendors operating by roadside or kiosk locations, TVL shall be granted to only those vendors who have already got their shops an Trade License authorised by the Municipal Affairs Authority. The permissible number of vendors shall be limited to 1 for every 1000 population or the number of licenses per ward to be issued in not more than the ratio of 1:10 shops in each word.
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There are certain rules and regulations for tobacco vendor license holder, TVL holder must act in accordance with the provision of COPTA 2003. They must refrain from selling tobacco alongside other specified products for examples in pharmacies or vendors that sells products appealing to children like biscuits, chocolates, soft drinks, etc. TVL holder must refrain from selling loose cigarette or distributing free products as promotional items. They shall not sell, offer for sale or permit sale of cigarette or any other tobacco product to any person who is under the age of 18 years.
TVL shall be kept affixed in a conspicuous place in the premises in such manner as to be visible to everyone. No photocopy shall be entertained. TVL shall be non-transferable, the license holder shall carry onto lawful business in compliance of all rules and regulations of central/state/local self-government which may come into force from time to time.
The town council/municipal council reserve the right to impose penalty/cancel the TVL and the trade License for breach of any of the above-mentioned terms and conditions.
