October 2 was just another day for smokers as well as vendors as the new nationwide law kicked in prohibiting smoking in public places.
Though most state governments said they were serious about implementing the new rule, people in cities like Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi continued to smoke without fear and remorse in public places. Even the threat of a fine of Rs 200 failed to deter them.
Confusion abounded at several places about what constituted a public place. The Chennai police was quick to issue a stern warning to smokers, though, it had little affect on them. Some cigarette sellers said the sales had slumped to 15 per cent.
In some other cities, the authorities said they did not have the wherewithal to implement the ban. In Mumbai, for instance, the Bombay Municipal Corporation said implementation of the smoking ban would take time due to the lack of manpower and infrastructure.
Still, states made their first move by making hotels and government offices clear non-smoking areas.
Five-star hotels across major cities, on their part, have made their entire common areas non-smoking zones and have also created special spots for smokers. They will, however, continue to provide smoking rooms for their guests, which is not considered a public area, hoteliers said.
Image: An ashtray filled with cigarette butts | Photograph: Mike Clarke/AFP/Getty Images
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