NGO urges Tamil Nadu govt to ban tobacco near schools following CM Vijay’s order to shutdown 717 Tasmac outlets

Chennai: Likening the perils of tobacco products to liquor menace, People's Organisation for Tobacco Control in Tamil Nadu, an NGO, has called on state govt to spread awareness on the dangers of consuming tobacco among children, strict action against outlets selling electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, and a blanket ban on nicotine pouches.

This comes a day after the govt ordered the shutdown of 717 Tasmac retail liquor outlets near places of worship and educational institutions.



In a letter to chief minister C Joseph Vijay, convenor of the organisation Cyril Alexander, said, "Tobacco is a gateway drug for all forms of addiction. Drug-free school zones must be created around schools. Tobacco-related education should also be included in teacher training programmes."

Calling for anti-drug check posts at state borders to prevent entry of narcotic substances, it said, "State Tobacco Control Cell has been functioning for years without adequate funding and has largely been neglected." The NGO also called for a ban on chewable tobacco products.