Hookah Culture in India and Global Legal Implications
Hookah has been popular in the Indian subcontinent for centuries. In recent years, hookah bars have become popular globally. There is still no explicit clarity in laws on hookah bars or smoking in public places. The lack of consistency has led to confusion on this issue.
Regulatory Landscape in India
- Retailers cannot sell tobacco products to anyone under 21 years of age.
- Punjab has become India’s third state to legally ban hookah bars or lounges.
- Hookah lounge licenses fall under “eating-house” or “restaurant” categories in India.
- Court proceedings and decisions regarding the prohibition of herbal flavored hookahs in New Delhi are ongoing.
Legal Status and Restrictions
- It is legal to purchase hookahs at shops and use them at home.
- Authorities generally apply Section 144 of CrPC to shut down hookah bars.
- The Health Ministry has decided to increase the legal age for smoking tobacco from 18 to 21 years.
Regional Bans and Restrictions
- Several Indian cities have banned hookah consumption in bars.
- The Allahabad High Court has ordered chief secretaries not to allow hookah bars in restaurants and cafes in Uttar Pradesh.
- The Surat Municipal Corporation in Gujarat has also banned hookah bars.