The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss announced, on Tuesday, that private as well as public offices can no longer have separate rooms for smoking as the official prohibition on smoking in public places would be imposed rigorously from October 02.

On the sidelines of a function, Mr. Anbumani said, “From October 2, the government would introduce the no smoking policy in all indoor establishments.”

“Smoking will not be permitted in any private or public building. Companies can no longer have designated smoking rooms. Smokers will have to step outside into open space if they wish to smoke,” he also said.

The ban applies to all companies, including the IT sector, he added.

Moreover, the rule would also be applicable to small cafes, restaurants, pubs or discotheques. Hotels having over 30 seat arrangements would have to make a separate smoking area and a separate ventilation arrangement according to the rules and regulations.

The minister also stated that the government would also carry out an ad campaign on the “no-smoking'' plan.

The proposed pictorial warning on all tobacco products would come into force from December 1, he said.