title: Compliance with Tobacco Promotion and Sale Laws in School Neighbourhoods in India
abstract: Objective: Regulation of sale of tobacco has given sufficient attention in India and little information exists about
  the impact of bans near schools. Our study aim was to check the levels of tobacco promotion, advertising and sales
  in school neighborhoods’ of Central Delhi. Methods: Using multistage random sampling 15 schools were selected
  in Central Delhi. Areas 100 meters around each were mapped using a map tool and screened using a self designed
  questionnaire consisting of 26 questions, both closed and open ended, to determine the details of outlets, sales of tobacco
  and tobacco products, advertising, promotions, school roles, and children seeking tobacco. The data were subjected
  to statistical analysis. Results: The response rate was 65%. Outlet licenses were present in only 6 (3.47%). The point
  sale of tobacco was most frequently in tea stalls and a total of 173 (41.2%) outlets had some form of tobacco sale. The
  brands of smokeless tobacco sold more were shikar (50%) and classic citrus (30%). Advertisement or promotion of
  sales was mainly in the form of signs and displays (53%). Major schools did not have any no tobacco boards displayed.
  Conclusion: Sale of tobacco continues in central Delhi with a lack of compliance with the rules of COPTA. The
  implications of this non compliance in the Capital region is of major significance for the rest of the country.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, India. Email: aswinicomm@gmail.com
authors.forename: Aswini Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Balappanavar
authors.forename: Vikrant
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mohanty
authors.forename: Abrar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hussain
keywords: COPTA; tobacco; tobacco sale and advertisement; tobacco outlets; tobacco free schools