24th February 2024, Gurugram: The Haryana Assembly is considering a stringent law that would make serving hookah a punishable offense, inviting imprisonment for a term ranging from one to three years and fines ranging from one to three lakh rupees.
The proposed legislation, titled the "Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution), Haryana Amendment Bill, 2024," was tabled by the Health Minister Anil Vij. This amendment seeks to ban the serving of hookah and the operation of hookah bars in the state.
Under the amended law, serving hookah to customers at any establishment where food or refreshments are sold or provided will become a non-bailable and cognizable offense. Those found guilty of opening or running a hookah bar or serving hookah to customers will face imprisonment for a term not less than one year, extendable up to three years, along with fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.
Furthermore, the offenses under this bill have been made non-bailable and cognizable. Police officers of the rank of a sub-inspector or officers of the Food and Drugs Administration Department, or any other officer authorized by the state government, will have the power to seize materials or articles used in hookah bars if they have reason to believe that the provisions of the law have been contravened.
The bill defines a hookah bar as any commercial establishment where people gather to smoke tobacco from a hookah or narghile, provided as a commercial service. However, traditional hookahs are excluded from this definition.
The proposal comes in response to concerns about the health hazards associated with hookah smoking. According to the "Statement of Objects and Reasons" of the bill, hookah bars in various districts of Haryana have been found to serve tobacco containing nicotine, which is harmful to public health. The bill aims to prohibit the serving of hookah in commercial establishments to protect public health.
In conclusion, the Haryana Assembly's proposed amendment underscores the state's commitment to public health by regulating the sale and consumption of tobacco products, particularly hookah. If passed, this legislation will have significant implications for businesses operating hookah bars and individuals serving hookah in the state.
Leave a comment