Cost of Opening a Hookah Bar in India
- Opening a hookah bar costs $30,000 to $250,000. A good estimate is $140,000. The government requires a Hookah Bar license before opening a hookah bar due to the presence of tobacco. On 30 May 2017, the FSSAI government in India amended anti-tobacco laws that bar food and drink services in a designated smoking area. Hookah bar owners must follow these rules and obtain or renew their FSSAI license.
Operating Costs and Licensing Requirements for Hookah Bars
- Rent for a hookah bar depends on location. For instance, a lease in Manhattan could cost over $80,000 per month, while a storefront lease in Florida or Tennessee could cost under $1,000 per month.
Legal Considerations and Risks of Hookah Business
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It is still legal to purchase hookahs at shops and consume them at home in India. However, authorities use Section 144 of CrPC to shut down hookah bars. Serving hookah is punishable by a fine of ₹1,200 ($17).
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A hookah business does not offer health benefits and poses health risks. Hookah smoking also puts people at risk of inhaling secondhand smoke.