Creation of a Smoke-free Environment for Children: An Assessment of Compliance to COTPA 2003 Legislation in an Urban Area

ABSTRACT

Objective: To ascertain the compliance to Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act(COTPA) 2003 which ensures the protection of children from the adverse health effects ofsecond hand smoke. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the compliance of 32educational institutions and 157 points of sale of Shimla city. Results: About 88% of theeducational institutions and mere 7.6% points of sale were found having good compliance tothe key indicators. No point of sale was found within the premises of educational institutions;however, 26% were found selling tobacco products within 100 metres radius of aneducational institution. 7.6% points of sale were found selling a tobacco product to children.Conclusion: Despite having the status of a smoke-free city, lapses were observed incompliance to the Act. Strict adherence to the provisions of the Act would ultimately lead to asmoke-free environment for our children