Heavy fines on Alcohol, Tobacco Act violators

Rs. 79.8 million has been collected as fines from Alcohol and Tobacco Act violators this year, a Health Ministry release said.

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala during a discussion to review the progress made under the Mathata Thitha programme in keeping with the Alcohol and Tobacco Act implementation 2008 at the Ministry recently, said the Act was implemented to minimise the use of alcohol and tobacco in the country.

Officials from the Police, Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention Authority and Excise Department also participated at the meeting.

“We have to carry forward this programme successfully by establishing provincial operation committees consisting of members from police, Excise Department and Health Ministry. We will take every possible step to implement these programmes from next year,” the Minister said.