Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 1: Despite tougher rules under the amended tobacco control law, public smoking and the use of tobacco products continue unchecked across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Authorities have booked 6,753 cases and collected Rs 5,05,065 in fines so far this year, but officials admit that the battle is far from over — especially as minors continue to get easy access to tobacco.

The Karnataka COTPA (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into effect on May 30, hiking penalties for smoking or chewing tobacco in public places from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000. It also raised the minimum legal age for tobacco consumption from 18 to 21 years. Selling tobacco to anyone under 21 is now a punishable offence.

Yet, authorities say many shops are illegally selling to

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