Law fails to curb tobacco sales near school premises

Though nearly a decade has passed since the introduction of a ban on the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, the situation has largely remained the same with much of the sales continuing to target school and college students. Lack of coordination between police, local bodies and school authorities is mostly to be blamed.

The sale of tobacco within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions was prohibited in 2004 under Section 6(b) of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) from January to May 2013.

The act made it mandatory to install display boards outside educational institutions declaring the zone as tobacco-free. "Though occasional inspections are conducted by police, no coordinated effort is on," feels Sruthi Ravikumar, a parent residing at East Hill. School authorities are also not keen in tackling the issue, she complained.

According to statistics with city police, cases have been registered against 98 persons this year till May for selling tobacco products in such places. Police also collected fine of Rs 19,600 from offenders. But not a single case has been registered under section 6(a) (Prohibition and sale of tobacco products to minors) of COTPA during this period. On the other hand, no cases were registered for the sale of tobacco products in school premises in 2012. "Statistics reveal that we have intensified action against tobacco sellers," said a senior police official. Though I can't provide recent data, I believe the number of cases have gone down as cops now have less time for such operations owing to frequent protests by political parties and feeder organizations," he said.

Educational institutions too have a significant role in addressing the menace but they chose to keep mum. Few schools in the city have affixed 'Tobacco- Free Area' boards at their entrance. The direction to constitute anti-tobacco cells in all educational institutions has also not been followed by most institutions.

Police alone cannot stop the sale of tobacco to youngsters, said a police official. Coordination of parents and teachers is essential as they would be better aware of shops that sell such products to kids and operate in the prohibited area, he said, adding that they were planning to intensify the activities of school protection groups to curb the menace.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Law-fails-to-curb-tobacco-sales-near-school-premises/articleshow/21836925.cms

Zimbabwe: Tobacco Sales Generate U.S $300 Million

IN 44 marketing days, the tobacco industry has generated almost US$300 million from 77,8 million kilograms of the golden leaf traded at an average price of US$3,78 per kg.

The marketing season reached day 44 on Friday last week after opening in February. Daily deliveries reached a peak on day 38 when sales totaled 3,2 million kg, according to statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). Last year, the highest mass sold during a single day was 2,6 million kg. TIMB said the statistics released on Monday showed that by day 44 of the marketing season, sales volumes had firmed by 28 percent compared to the same period last year.

It said the seasonal average price of US$3,78 per kg was US$0,06 firmer than prices that prevailed during the same period in 2012. On day 44, revenue from daily tobacco sales reached US$9,2 million. The average price was US$3,66 per kg. About 2,5 million kg of tobacco were sold, compared to US$4,5 million at an average price of US$3,86 during the same period in 2012. About 1,2 million kg of tobacco were sold on day 44 in 2012.

The Tobacco Sales Floor sold 416 693 kg of tobacco worth US$1,5 million at an average price of US$3,55 per kg, while Boka Tobacco Auction Floors sold 279 231 kg of tobacco valued at US$964 654 at an average price of US$3,45 per kg on day 44. Premier Tobacco Auction Floor sold 76 518 kg worth US$248 349 at an average price of US$3,25. Contract sales netted in US$6,5 million from 1,7 million kg sold at an average price of US$3,74 per kg. At least 1,1 million bales were accepted during the review period, while 48 954 bales were rejected for various reasons. TIMB said about 51 083 growers had delivered their tobacco by day 44.

About 86 941 growers registered for the 2013 season. During the same period last year about 64 293 growers had delivered their output. Zimbabwe About 58 801 growers registered to sell their crop last year. In terms of tobacco production by province, Mashonaland West led with over 24 million kg delivered, Mashonaland Central 21,8 million kg, Mashonaland East 13,7 million kg, Manicaland 8,9 million kg, Midlands with 167 532 kg and Masvingo with 21 655 kg. TIMB projects 170 million kg of the golden leaf to be brought to the auction floors this season, earning the country at least US$600 million. Burley tobacco sales began on April 10 but sales were aborted on April 9 following protests by farmers over "low prices." Sales however, resumed the following day.

To date 5 270 kg of burley tobacco worth US$6 073 have been sold at an average price of US$1,15 per kg, compared to 7 675 kg valued at US$19 052 that were sold last year at an average price of US$2,48 per kg. In preparation for the 2013/14 season, as of April 12, at least 104 495 grammas of seed tobacco had been sold. This is enough to plant 17 416 hectares of the golden leaf.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304251263.html?page=2