Karnataka state has prohibited the sale and consumption of hookah products because of its impact on public health and safety. The government has immediately banned the sale, purchase, publicity, marketing, and consumption of all hookah products and sheesha.
The state government’s aim with this ban is to safeguard the well-being of its citizens and minimize the potential health hazards associated with hookah consumption. Bengaluru takes a proactive approach to protect its residents from the risks of hookah bars by prioritizing public health and safety.
Those found violating the ban will be charged under COTPA (Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act ) 2003, Child Care and Protection Act 2015, Food Safety and Quality Act 2006, Karnataka Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules 2015, Fire Control and Fire Protection Act, and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Moreover, findings from the WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2019) emphasize the increasing involvement of young people with tobacco products, with nearly one-fifth of students aged 13-15 having used tobacco in some form. Furthermore, both tobacco-based and herbal shisha have been found to emit smoke containing harmful agents, which increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
The cost of tobacco-related illnesses among individuals aged 35-69 in Karnataka was Rs 983 crore in 2011, which is significant in terms of the economic impact of tobacco
The government considered including fire safety laws in their plan due to a fire that occurred at a hookah bar in Bengaluru last year. Fire safety regulations were violated by the hookah bar.
The government order also highlighted studies that suggest that smoking a hookah for 45 minutes is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes.
Hookah is already banned in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab.
