Bengaluru: To avoid inconvenience from smokers to non-smokers, the BBMP has decided to order restaurants, pubs and bars to have separate smoking zones. At the BBMP Council meeting on Tuesday, Dr Vishal Rao, Consultant Oncologist-Head & Neck Surgeon and Member of the High-Powered Committee - Tobacco Control, Karnataka government, briefed the Palike on the ill-effects of tobacco with cases and statistics and how non-smokers are getting affected in public places.
All the corporators raised their voice against smoking at public places and insisted on curbing the menace.
Ruling party leader Shiva Raju, leader of opposition Mr Padmanabha Reddy and other corporators registered their protest. JD(S) leader Netra Narayan said that ganja is easily available in the city and BBMP parks are being used to peddle the banned narcotic drug.
All the corporators said that the Palike should launch a special campaign, covering schools and colleges, to create awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco products.
Mayor Sampath Raj said that measures will be taken to ensure that all restaurants, pubs and bars have separate smoking zones. He said that the ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions will be strictly implemented.
