On stage smoking act in reality show spells trouble

TNPFTC stated that the show which was telecasted on September 24 and re-telecasted October 16, featured a standup comedian as smoking. “The actor had decided to make his act more realistic by smoking a cigarette on stage. However, this act could be the cause of illness in others who attended the show,” said Cyril Alexander, convenor, TNPFTC.

As regards for the violations, he said, the comedian who smoked on stage for his performance had violated Section 4 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) which clearly states that smoking in public place is prohibited and is a punishable offence. 

“The workplace manager of the auditorium, where the show was conducted, who allowed for such an act, the private channel which hosts the show that permitted smoking in public place, both have violated Section 4 of COTPA. TNPFTC has sent complaints on this to the government, asking them to take action,” he said.