The app-based delivery service Dunzo has stopped sales of cigarettes and other items categorized as "paan" on its platform for Android users, the company said in a notice. "Paan items have been discontinued on the Android app," the company told users on the Android app. "Use our website Dunzo.com to get Paan Shop items delivered to your doorstep." Paan is Dunzo's cigarette category. The category, along with cigarette listings from partnered retail outlets, are still available on iOS and desktop. "In accordance with Google Play store policy, delivery apps can no longer list tobacco products, hence they have been delisted from the Android app," a spokesperson from Dunzo told MediaNama over email. It is unclear why only Android has been removed. While Dunzo has not responded to a request for comment as of this story going out, it is likely that a Developer Program Policy that Google released on January 20 is behind the change. According to that policy, We [Google Play] don't allow apps that facilitate the sale of tobacco (including e-cigarettes and vape pens) or encourage the illegal or inappropriate use of alcohol or tobacco. [caption id="attachment_134192" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Source: Dunzo on Android[/caption] Mohan Raj, a Dunzo delivery agent in Chennai, said that around one fourth of his orders each day are cigarette deliveries. Cigarettes are taxed enormously by the government, with smokers ending up paying around 300% in GST and other taxes, according to a Lok Sabha response. As such, it follows that delivery charges aren't a…
