The Orissa Police has decided to strictly implement the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA, 2003 from tomorrow. <br/><br/>The puffing habit of smokers in public places that had until now gone up in smoke notwithstanding the presence of anti-smoking law, might cost them dear.<br/><br/>Even though the ban, involving smoking in public places came into effect on October 2, 2008, its implementation was dismal due to unavailability of challans and receipts meant for imposing fines on those, who violate the law. <br/><br/>Authorities of the health and family welfare department of Odisha had failed to properly implement the law due to absence of ‘challans’ and ‘receipts’ in the state. <br/><br/>As the the challans and receipts are ready now, it is hoped the law will be implemented strictly.<br/><br/>Smoking at public places would attract a fine of 200 rupees. Besides, fines would be slapped on those shopkeepers, who flout the norms by putting up huge hoarding flashing tobacco advertisements. <br/><br/>Hotels, bars, shopping malls and other recreation outlets have been asked to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the anti-smoking law, involving demarcation of ‘no smoking zones’ in their building premises.<br/>