Anti-tobacco NGO hails liquor and tobacco ban for juveniles

CHANDIGARH: With a large populace of Punjab in the trap of substances of abuse, 'Voice of Tobacco Victims', an anti-tobacco campaign across India has hailed banning sale of liquor and tobacco to juveniles under the new Juvenile Justice Act, passed by parliament recently, as a welcome step.


Dr Prahlad Duggal, patron-Punjab, 'Voice of Tobacco Victims' said with two new clauses in place, a seven-year-imprisonment and a fine of Rs one lakh can be levied upon anybody selling alcohol, tobacco or any other intoxicant to a juvenile or even transporting the same through a juvenile. "This will also help change the common Punjabi attitude which manifests as a father or a relative coaxing a child to take a 'Peg' or two by saying that nothing will happen."


As per Clause 77 whoever gives, or causes to be give any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to pay a fine which may even exceed Rs one lakh rupees.


While Clause 78 says, "Whoever uses a child, for vending, peddling, carrying, supplying or smuggling any intoxicating liquor, narcotic drug or psychotropic substance, shall be liable for rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine up to one lakh rupees."
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