The Erode district administration has warned that strict action will be taken against shops selling banned tobacco products across the district.
A release from Collector S. Kandasamy said the State government has prohibited the sale of gutkha, pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, and other similar products across Tamil Nadu. Accordingly, various departments are conducting joint inspections in shops to enforce the ban.
From January 2025 till date, 807 shops in the district were booked for selling banned items, and fines totalling ₹2.17 crore were imposed. The collected amount has been remitted to the government account. A total of 4,452 kg of seized tobacco products were destroyed at the Corporation’s compost yard.
The release stated that a shop on Jeevanandam Street in Kollampalayam was sealed after it was found violating the ban for the third time. The shop’s licence was also cancelled, and orders were issued by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department.
Special teams continue to inspect shops, petty outlets and commercial establishments, including those at bus stands and other public places, to curb the sale of prohibited tobacco products.
The public is urged to report violations by calling 0424-2223545 or 94440 42322, and immediate action will be taken, the release added.
Published – November 26, 2025 06:38 pm IST
