Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday banned the storage, sale, display, and distribution of the smokeless tobacco product Cool Lip in Kathua district with immediate effect, citing growing health concerns among children and youth.
An order issued by District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma said the decision was taken after reports surfaced of the product being sold in local shops and consumed by students. Exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, Sharma directed an immediate prohibition in the interest of public health and safety.
Officials including the senior superintendent of police, chief education officer, tehsildars, and the food safety officer have been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement.
The order noted that parents, teachers, and community representatives had raised concerns about children experiencing intoxication after using Cool Lip, which posed risks to their health and disrupted the educational environment.
Citing Clause 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011—which bars the use of tobacco and nicotine in food products—the magistrate said the ban was necessary due to potential carcinogenic and harmful oral effects.
The prohibition will remain in force until further orders and has been widely circulated through print, electronic, and social media to raise public awareness.
Cool Lip, sold in small pouches and placed under the lip for a high, is a smokeless tobacco product.
