Ranchi: A proposal on complete ban hookah bars was approved by the Jharkhand cabinet on Thursday. Now if one found violating the rules may face a fine of Rs 1 lakh or even land up in jail.

The cabinet has also agreed a decision to make the sale and purchase of tobacco products such as cigarettes at public places illegal. Earlier, those who flouted the rule was asked to pay fine of Rs 200 but now the fine will be Rs 1,000 those violating.

A decision to increase the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products in Jharkhand has also been gone from 18 to 21. It may be noted that those below the age of 21 will not be permitted to buy any tobacco products.

The state cabinet also permitted order that bans the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of education institutions such as colleges and schools, religious places and courts. All of these provisions will be amended under the COTPA Act of 2003.

Also read:Pune: Ban on hookah goes up in smoke; youth now turn to vaping