Mangaluru Authorities Issue Order to Shut Down Shops Selling Loose Cigarettes Amid Rising Health Concerns
Mangaluru: In a decisive move to curb tobacco consumption and protect public health, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Mangaluru, Raju K, has issued stringent directives to shut down shops and establishments found selling loose cigarettes or permitting smoking and tobacco use in public spaces. The order was delivered during a District Coordination Committee meeting held at the DC office on Tuesday, under the auspices of the National Tobacco Control Programme.
ADC Raju K mandated that all urban local bodies and gram panchayats conduct unannounced inspections of shops and eateries on a regular basis to enforce the new regulations. “Cigarettes should only be sold in full packs — not as single sticks. Any shop or establishment found violating this rule must be sealed, and goods confiscated,” he stated firmly. Officials are required to submit a comprehensive report in the subsequent meeting, detailing the number of inspections conducted, violations detected, penalties levied, and outlets shut down.
The ADC voiced considerable concern over the escalating incidence of cancer cases, attributing a significant portion to the use of tobacco products and smoking. “Public health is of utmost importance, and those endangering it cannot be tolerated,” he asserted, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
Further directives included a strict prohibition on the sale of any tobacco products — encompassing beedis, cigarettes, and paan masala — within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions, including schools and colleges. Principals have been tasked with inspecting nearby shops and reporting any infractions to local authorities within one week, ensuring swift action against offenders.
Responding to public grievances concerning tea cafés and hotels allegedly facilitating smoking and the sale of cigarettes, Raju K ordered immediate raids on such establishments, followed by their closure. The ADC also stressed the imperative of enforcing a complete ban on smoking and tobacco use within the premises of government hospitals throughout the district, aiming to create healthier environments for patients and staff alike.
During the meeting, District Tobacco Control Officer Dr. Naveen Chandra reported that between April and October 2025, authorities had booked 1,488 cases related to public smoking and tobacco use, resulting in the collection of ₹1.89 lakh in fines. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijayakranti added that the police department had registered 1,756 cases for similar offenses in public areas, underscoring the prevalence of the issue.
District Health Officer Dr. Thimmaiah, Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr. Shivaprakash, and other officials were also in attendance, demonstrating a united front in the fight against tobacco consumption and its detrimental effects on public health. The stringent measures announced are expected to significantly impact the availability of tobacco products and reduce public smoking, contributing to a healthier Mangaluru.