Maharashtra has become the first state in India to ban the sale of unpackaged “loose” cigarettes and beedis.
The move is aimed at ensuring that customers see the graphic, public health warnings mandated on cigarette packaging.
The Maharashtra government has issued a notification in this regard, in the public interest. This has been issued under subsection (2) of section 7 of the cigarette and other Tobacco Products (prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and commerce Production, supply and Distribution) Act, 2OO3 (Act No. 34 of 2OO3).
