Haryana passes bill prohibiting hookah bars statewide

Gurugram: In a significant move, the Haryana Assembly approved the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Haryana Amendment Bill, 2024, on Monday. The legislation bars the opening or operation of hookah bars and serving hookah in any location, including eating houses, across the state.

Haryana’s home minister Anil Vij introduced the bill, which inserts a new section, 4-A, into the principal Act (central law) – The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution), Act, 2003.

As per the bill, “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 term “eating house” is defined as any place providing or selling food or refreshments.

The legislation also includes Section 21-A, outlining penalties for violating the hookah bar prohibition. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from one to three years and fines from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

During discussions, Congress MLA Varun Chaudhary raised concerns about the lack of clarity on the definition of “traditional hookah.” He emphasised the potential for violators to exploit this gap by introducing harmful substances into traditional hookahs. The bill, however, specifies that it applies only to commercial establishments, excluding those who smoke traditional hookah at home.

Responding to queries, Vij clarified that the bill is targeted at commercial hookah establishments.

The statement of objects and reasons for the bill highlighted the state government’s concerns about hookah bars serving tobacco-containing nicotine, various flavours/herbs and even banned drugs. The bill aims to address misconceptions about the safety of flavoured hookahs, which, despite being popular, emit harmful toxicants affecting both the smoker and those exposed to passive smoking.

(with agency inputs)