DIMAPUR — Nagaland has introduced a tobacco vendor licence (TVL) system to regulate the sale of tobacco products and address the high prevalence of tobacco use and cancer in the state.
In this connection, the modalities for implementing the system in Nagaland were approved on January 16 and circulated to all urban local bodies (ULBs) on February 6, the state health department said in a press release on Thursday.
Citing the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), the health department pointed out that “43.3% of adults in Nagaland are tobacco users, with 43% of school-going children (13-15 years) also reported to be using tobacco, as per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4.”
Notably, there is high prevalence of cancer in the state, it underscored.
The health department stated that in 2021, the Union health ministry issued a directive to all state governments, recommending the licencing of tobacco vendors as a pivotal step towards enforcing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA 2003), and the same is being implemented in Nagaland to tackle the alarming rates of tobacco use and cancer incidence.
As per the release, to make the licencing policy mandatory for tobacco vendors in the state, any vendors who have already gotten their shops and trade licences authorised by the Municipal Affairs Authority, can make an application to the concerned ULB. On receipt of the application, the ULB will grant the non-transferable TVL within two months of receipt of the application.
The TVL shall be issued for one year and can be renewed on payment, it said, adding that this mechanism would not only curtail illicit trade but also improve implementation of the COTPA Act and enhance the revenue of the civic body.
The guidelines stated that TVL should not be granted to vendors in an area within a radius of 300 feet of any educational institution or other youth-oriented locations or residential zones.
“The permissible number of vendors shall be limited to 1 for every 1000 population or the number of licences per ward to be issued in not more than the ratio of 1:10 shops in each ward,” the release stated.
It also outlined certain rules and regulations for tobacco vendor licence holders, stipulating that the licence holders must act in accordance with provisions under the COTPA Act, and prohibited sale of tobacco products alongside other specified products that appeal to children, or in pharmacies. “TVL holders must refrain from selling loose cigarettes or distributing free products as promotional items. They shall not sell, offer for sale, or permit the sale of cigarettes or any other tobacco product to any person who is under the age of 18 years,” the release stated.
Among others, it also mandated that the original licence be displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises in such a manner that it is visible to everyone, and the licence holder should conduct lawful business in compliance with all the rules and regulations of central, state, or local self-government.
Further, it said that the town council or municipal council shall reserve the right to impose penalties or cancel the TVL and the trade licence for breach of any of the terms and conditions.