(Picture used for representative purpose only)

BENGALURU: The government has issued a circular banning smoking in hotels , pubs , bars and restaurants across all urban local bodies in Karnataka. The circular does not cover city corporations, including Bengaluru.

Urban development department minister UT Khader said establishments cannot have smoking zones without prior permission. As per the circular issued on November 17, the government said establishments can earmark a smoking zone after taking due permission, but cannot provide furniture, seating arrangements or curtains as per the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act (COPTA). “If any of these establishments violate rules, then their licences will be cancelled with immediate effect,” he said.

The government had launched a pilot project in Bengaluru, with the BBMP issuing a circular declaring that all public places be declared smoke-free zones.

