The Karnataka government has introduced stricter tobacco regulations, banning hookah bars entirely and raising the legal age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. The maximum fine for violations under tobacco control laws has also been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000.
These changes came into effect after President Droupadi Murmu approved the Karnataka-specific amendment to the central tobacco control law on May 23. The revised law, titled The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024, was officially published in the Karnataka Gazette on May 30.
Fine for public tobacco use increased to Rs 1,000
The recent amendment to the Central COTPA Act, 2003, makes tobacco laws stricter in Karnataka. The updated Section 4 prohibits the “use” of tobacco products—including smoking and spitting—in all public places. However, designated smoking areas are allowed in hotels with 30 or more rooms, restaurants with seating for 30 or more, and airports.
A new Section 4A bans the opening and operation of hookah bars anywhere in the state. Additionally, the legal age to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products has been raised to 21 years under the revised Section 6. The penalty for violations has also been increased to Rs 1,000.