Brushing
aside opposition, the Centre on Tuesday moved to amend the anti-smoking law and
proposed radical changes, including a ban on sale of loose cigarettes and
raising the minimum age of a person buying tobacco products to 21 years from
the existing 18. It has also proposed raising of the fine to Rs 1,000 from Rs
200 on smoking in public places, and recommended removal of designated smoking
zones in hotels and restaurants. These are some of the major recommendations in
the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and
Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution)
(Amendment) Bill 2015, put out by the health ministry on Tuesday to seek
suggestions from the public.