Cigarettes, tobacco shops can no longer sell chips, biscuits, candies

In what may come as a relief for parents, shops licensed to sell tobacco products will not be allowed to sell any non-tobacco products.

The move is aimed at preventing exposure of children to tobacco products.

According to a letter circulated by economic adviser in the ministry of health and family welfare, Arun Kumar Jha, stated, "It is felt that the regulation of tobacco products can be made more effective. It will be appropriate to develop a mechanism to provide permission or authorization through Municipal Authority to the retail shops who are selling tobacco products"

“Further, it would also be