karnataka bans hookah

Karnataka Bans Hookah Statewide, Citing Public Health and Safety Concerns

The sale, use, and promotion of hookah products—including flavoured and unflavored hookah molasses, shisha, and other brands—as well as their consumption are prohibited.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report that was cited by the government, 22.8% of adults in Karnataka use tobacco, with 8.8% of them being addicted. Additionally, according to the WHO report, 23.9% of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke in public areas.

“Hookah bars are potential fire hazards,” the Karnataka government stated in its order. The Fire Safety Act and the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services Act cannot be broken by the state. Hookah makes places like restaurants, bars, and hotels dangerous. It negatively impacts public health.

Action on violators

The state government declared that those who disobey the ban will face legal action under the Indian Penal Code, the Fire and Emergency Services Act, the Food Safety and Standards Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act, 2003, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Karnataka Poison (Poison (Possession and Sale) Rules, 2015.