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
Statewide Ban on Hookah to Protect Public Health and Youth
Given the serious health risks associated with hookah smoking, we have taken decisive action by banning hookah smoking across the state.
In light of this concern, we are implementing a ban on hookah smoking in Karnataka… pic.twitter.com/6zxVRbPJKU
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) February 8, 2024
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
ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಯುವ ಜನತೆಯ ಭವಿಷ್ಯದ ರಕ್ಷಣೆಗಾಗಿ ರಾಜ್ಯದಾದ್ಯಂತ ಹುಕ್ಕಾ ನಿಷೇಧ
ಹುಕ್ಕಾ ಸೇವನೆಯಿಂದ ಜನರ ಆರೋಗ್ಯದ ಮೇಲೆ ಉಂಟಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಗಂಭೀರ ಪರಿಣಾಮಗಳನ್ನು ಗಮನದಲ್ಲಿರಿಸಿ ರಾಜ್ಯದಾದ್ಯಂತ ಹುಕ್ಕಾ ಸೇವನೆಯನ್ನು ನಿಷೇಧಿಸಿ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಆದೇಶ ಹೊರಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.
ಸಿಗರೇಟ್ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರ ತಂಬಾಕು ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳ ಕಾಯ್ದೆಗೆ (COTPA)… pic.twitter.com/Cm9umbfK5z
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) February 8, 2024
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!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images
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