On August 3, 2001 "The Karnataka Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Health of Non-Smokers Bill, 2001" was passed in the Legislative Council. The bill is aimed at protecting the non-smoking public from the hazards of passive smoking, and prohibiting smoking in a few selected places like public spaces, auditorium, hospitals, health institutions, amusement centres, restaurants, court buildings, educational institutions, libraries and places of worship. It also discourages promotion of smoking through advertisements.