Calls for crackdown on tobacco sales to minors, near schools

By Admin 22 Sep 2023

DMG Newsroom
22 September 2023, Sittwe

Local residents in Arakan State have called on authorities to ban the sale of tobacco products near basic education schools amid regular reports of minors purchasing and using tobacco.

Tobacco can be easily bought and sold at shops and betel quid vendors near schools in some townships, according to residents. 

“Shops should not sell tobacco to children who are not yet 18. Authorities do not regulate them. Only when action is taken against them will shops not dare to sell tobacco to children,” said Daw Khin Than Mya from Mingan Ward in Sittwe.

Local residents said they often spot students smoking and chewing betel nut near basic education high school Nos. 2 and 9, as well as nearby monastic schools.

“I saw children in student uniforms buying tobacco from shops and smoking. Children think they look cool when they smoke,” said a parent from Magyimyaing Ward in Sittwe.

The 2006 Control of Smoking and Consumption of Tobacco Products Law bans the selling of tobacco on and within 100 feet of school grounds, as well as the selling or giving of tobacco products to children younger than 18. 

The law prescribes a fine of up to 30,000 kyats for a first-time violation, and up to one year in prison plus a maximum 100,000 kyats in fines for second-time violations.

Local residents complain that authorities rarely take action against tobacco shops near schools.

Retired headmaster U Lone Maung from Buthidaung Township said: “Authorities must educate shops near schools not to sell tobacco to students. Selling tobacco near schools must be banned.”

The law prohibits smoking in schools, hospitals, clinics, sportsgrounds, department stores, universities, museums, public buses, school buses, training centres and some other public spaces.