MUMBAI: The Union Ministry for Health has enforced a ban on smoking in public places in Chennai. The ban comes into effect from Oct 2, 2008 onwards. To support the ban, Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM had a special breakfast show with the Union Minister of Health, Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss.
To drive home the message, Radio Mirchi created a special anti-smoking jingle sung by college students.
And to help enforce the ban, Radio Mirchi team comprising of Mirchi RJs patrolled the streets of Chennai to check on people smoking in public places. The team took along with them Punjab Gulab band to create noise. People found violating the rule were gheraoed by the Mirchi team and music was played to attract attention of the passers-by and embarrass the violators. The smokers were garlanded with a Beedi Mala… and made to take an oath that they would not smoke in public.
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The Mirchi team also spoke to the shopkeepers who sell cigarettes and got a mixed reaction from them. While most of them supported the ban inspite of a drop in sales, a few felt that the ban will not last for long.
After listening to the smokers and shopkeepers on-air, the listeners called in with their opinions on the enforcement of the ban.
The event generated a lot of curiosity and interest from the public.
