Chandigarh, May 25: The Chandigarh administration today raided  10 pubs and four discos to ensure that the norms and provisions of Control of Tobacco Products Act, (COPTA).
Shahenshah Bar & Pub, Sector 17 and bar of Jullundur Hotel, Sector 22 were challaned for improper signage relating to NO SMOKING AREA and were instructed to get the proper signage installed as per the new provisions of COPTA (October 2, 2008).
The Mission Disco, Sector 9 was also challaned due to the presence of ashtrays and also as one person was found smoking. The individual was fined for the violation and the manager was fixed for the offence for having ashtrays. Another disco named VOODOO’s, Sector 26 was challaned as it neither had proper signage nor proper segregation of the smoking area as per the provisions of COTPA. The Manager of VOODOO’s was challaend for the same and was directed to remove the anomaly at the earliest.
Rest all pubs and Discos had proper signage of NO Smoking and no one was found smoking in the premise. UT Home Secretary Ram Niwas said that the Administration plans to make such raids a regular feature so as to ensure that the provisions of COPTA are adhered to and the status of Chandigarh as the SMOKE FREE CITY is maintained. The raids were conducted from 9pm to 1.30am on the intervening night of May 23 and 24. Special teams were constituted which comprised of officers of Local Health Authority, Food Inspectors and Sub Inspectors from Chandigarh Police.