Smokers would not be allowed to light up inside public or private buildings from October 2 and if the urge for a quick puff proves too strong, must do so in open spaces.
Joining the growing list of countries enforcing total bans on smoking in enclosed spaces, the government on Friday made
the announcement on the occasion of World Population Day.
“From October 2 this year, nobody in India can smoke in buildings, both public and private. Anybody who wants to smoke can do so on the road,” Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said addressing a function in Patna.
The nationwide ban, which is a wider version of the one that came into effect last year in workplaces, restaurants and hotels, includes theatres, pubs, bars, malls and any other enclosed spaces.
“Smokers can have a puff at the risk of their health in private, in their bedrooms, provided they have the permission of their wives,” Ramadoss said.
India is among 67 countries in the world to have imposed total or partial bans on smoking in public.