The central ban on displaying advertisements that promote the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco related products will come into effect from May 1.

The information was conveyed by Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Naveen Kumar at a meeting held in Mantralaya on Tuesday.

Naveen Kumar further informed that a special cell is being set up to monitor the implementation of the said Act.

The advertisement agencies/managers have been expressly instructed to remove all advertisements/hoardings promoting the sale of cigarette and other tobacco by-products before April 30. Once the new law comes into effect displaying such advertisements at public places like auditorium, stadia and railway stations will be prohibitory.

Outlining other provisions of the Act, Naveen Kumar stated that sale of tobacco products will be banned to buyers aged below 18 years in Maharashtra.