In a recent move, the Indian state of Karnataka has implemented a state-wide ban on hookah. Selling or consuming hookah will absolutely be off-limits. The new rule has come into immediate effect and was passed today. This means that from now on, hookah bars and shops will no longer be considered legal establishments. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this latest hookah embargo in Karnataka.
Karnataka Bans Sale And Consumption Of Hookah
According to an article which was recently published by The Hindu, the Karnataka government announced this new rule in a notification on February 7, Wednesday. In addition to banning the sale and consumption of hookah, storing, advertising and promoting hookah products is also banned.
The ban has been imposed under the Children Protection and Welfare Act, Food Safety and Standards Act, and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Acts or COTPA. People who violate this rule will be penalised as stipulated in these provisions.
The rule was passed by the Health Minister of Karnataka, Dinesh Gundu Rao. He even shared a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding the same. He mentioned that the smoking, storing, selling, or advertising of hookah is now banned across the state.
An Attempt To Protect Susceptible Minors From It
According to The Hindu article, one of the major reasons why this move is being undertaken is that many unlicensed bars have come up across the state. These unlicensed bars, in addition to serving hookah, have become hubs of substance abuse.
Inquisitive minors who may come there for hookah may end up falling prey to addiction because of the availability of other illicit substances.
What do you think about this latest decision by the health minister of Karnataka? Why do you think the same rule hasn’t been passed regarding cigarettes as well? Let us know in the comments section below!
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