In a significant move aimed at safeguarding public health,Hookah particularly the well-being of youngsters, the Karnataka government has chosen to implement a comprehensive ban on hookah smoking. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing the severe health risks associated with hookah consumption.
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In a social media post, Minister Rao stated, “A statewide ban on hookah to protect public health and young people. Given the extreme health risks associated with hookah smoking, we’ve taken decisive action by prohibiting hookah smoking across the entire state.”
Karnataka Banned on sale and consumption of Hookah
The Karnataka health department issued a notification on Wednesday, with immediate effect, prohibiting the sale and consumption of hookah. The government cited violations of state fire control and fire safety laws as grounds for banning hookah sales in hookah bars. The decision was also influenced by a fire incident at a hookah bar in Koramangala last year, which failed to adhere to fire and safety regulations.
The government order emphasized, “Hookah bars pose a state fire hazard and violate state fire control and fire safety laws. Consumption of hookah in hotels, bars, and restaurants renders food items unsafe for public consumption and may adversely affect public health.” As a result, the sale, consumption, and promotion of hookah products, including hookah tobacco or nicotine-containing alternatives, flavored or unflavored hookah molasses, shisha, and similar items, have been banned with immediate effect in the interest of public health.
Why Hookah are banned
Violators will face penalties under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003, the Child Care and Protection Act of 2015, and the Food Safety and Quality Act of 2006. The health department underscored the oral consumption of hookah through a nozzle or pipe device in a sealed enclosure, leading to the spread of infectious diseases such as herpes, tuberculosis, hepatitis, COVID-19, and others.
Citing research indicating that 45 minutes of hookah smoking is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes and poses significant health risks, the government referred to the World Health Organization’s report, labeling hookah as an addictive substance containing excessive nicotine, tobacco, molasses, and flavorings with dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Conclusion
During the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly in 2023, Home Minister G Parameshwara had announced the state’s intention to introduce legislation regulating hookah bars. The ban is part of the government’s commitment to creating a safer and healthier environment for future generations.
This move by Karnataka follows a similar action taken by the Haryana government last year, which prohibited serving hookah to customers in hotels, restaurants, bars, and commercial establishments across the state.
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