The Assam Prohibition of Smoking and Non-Smokers' Health Protection Act, 1951
ASSAM ACT IX OF 1951

‘TH E ASSAM PROHIBITIO N OF SMOKING IN SHOW HOUSES ACT,

1951

[Published in the “Assam Gazette”, dated the 18th April 1951]

**An Act to prohibit smoking in cinema halls and other show houses in Assam**

Whereas it is expedient to prohibit smoking in show houses in Assam :
It is hereby enacted as follows :—
**1. Short title, extent and commencement.—(1)** This Act may be called the

Assam Prohibition of Smoking in Show Houses Act, 1951.

(2) It extends to the whole of Assam.

*For Statement of Objects and Reasons _see “Assam Gazette”, 1951, Part_ **V,**

page 43.

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(3) It shall come into force on such date and at such places as the State

Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.

2. **Definition.—** In this Act,—

“show house” means any building, tent, or any roofed and enclosed

structure, used ordinarily or occasionally for the demonstration or exhibition to
the public, whether on payment or otherwise, of cinematographic films, drama­
tical or musical performances, dances, physical feats of human beings or animals
conjuring tricks or sleights of hand, or any other indoor amusement whatsoever,
but does not include such building or tent or roofed or enclosed structure in which
meals are served along with the demonstration or exhibition.

3. **Penalty for smoking in show houses.—Whoever** smokes, during a de­

monstration, or exhibition, in any part of a show house reserved for the audience
or the spectators shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred
rupees.

**Explanation.—For the purpose of this section “demonstration or exhibition”**

shall be deemed to commence when the audience or the spectators or any part
of them have entered the show house to witness a show therein and to continue
until they have left the house after the close of the show.

4. **Power to arrest without warrant.—Any police officer not below the rank**

of Sub-Inspector may arrest without warrant any person committing an offence
under section 3 in his presence.

5. **Management to post notices or exhibit slides.—** (1) Every person res­

ponsible for the management of a demonstration or exhibition in a show house
shall bring to the notice of the audience or the spectators, by posting notices
prominently or by exhibiting slides, that any person smoking during a demons­
tration or exhibition, in any part of such house reserved for the audience or
spectators shall be liable to arrest without warrant and to fine.

(2) Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punish­

able with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.

6. **Power to exclude from the operation of the Act.—** The State Govern­

ment or any officer of the State Government authorised in this behalf may, by
general or special order in writing, direct that the provisions of this Act shall
not apply in respect of any show house or any demonstration or exhibition
therein.


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