- By Vivek Raj
- Tue, 27 Feb 2024 07:55 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Haryana Assembly passed a bill on Monday aimed at banning the operation of hookah bars and serving hookah to customers across the state. Titled ‘The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Haryana Amendment Bill, 2024’, the legislation was introduced by Home Minister Anil Vij.
"The following section shall be inserted: '4-A. Prohibition of hookah bar -- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, no person shall either on his own or on behalf of any other person, open or run any hookah bar or serve hookah to a customer in any place, including an eating house'."
The bill introduces a new section, 4-A, into the principal Act, The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, which expressly forbids the opening or running of hookah bars or serving hookah to patrons in any establishment, including eating houses.
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In discussions within the assembly, Congress MLA Varun Chaudhary highlighted concerns regarding the definition of "hookah bar" and the inclusion of "traditional hookah" within the bill's scope. He pointed out the potential for exploitation if traditional hookahs were used to circumvent the law by introducing prohibited substances.
Responding to queries, Minister Anil Vij clarified that the bill's focus is on commercial establishments where hookah is served and does not extend to traditional home use. The bill, therefore, targets entities that profit from providing hookah services rather than individual users.
The legislation also outlines punitive measures for violators. Section 21-A stipulates that individuals contravening the provisions of Section 4-A will face imprisonment ranging from one to three years and fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
"Whoever contravenes the provisions of Section 4-A shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than ₹ 1 lakh but which may extend to ₹ 5 lakh," it states.
The bill's statement of objects and reasons underscores the government's concern over the proliferation of hookah bars serving tobacco-based hookah with nicotine in various districts.
"Such hookah involves a water pipe system and flavoured constituent 'shisha', heated with charcoal. Due to the misconception of less or no risk associated with it and availability of multiple flavours and less harshness of smoke, its usage has increased significantly," it states.
The popularity of hookah smoking, driven by misconceptions about its safety and the availability of various flavors, has raised health concerns. The bill highlights the presence of toxicants in hookah smoke, which pose risks not only to smokers but also to those exposed to passive smoking.
(With agency inputs)