Declares operation of hookah bars "illegal"

Operation of hookah bars in Chhattisgarh is a non-bailable offense under amended law

Raipur TNINS 

Taking an effective step towards creating a healthier environment in the state and curbing the growing trend of drug addiction among youth, Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel has declared the operation of hookah bars in the state as "illegal". The relevant law was amended with strict provisions to prevent the operation of hookah bars, which came into effect immediately.

The decision was made after complaints were received regarding the high consumption of hookah, flavored substances, tobacco, and other addictive substances served in hookah bars operated in various eateries, hotels, and restaurants, especially by the youth. This practice is harmful to their health and also promotes addiction. In response to this unlawful activity, the Chief Minister, Shri Bhupesh Baghel, directed strict action against the hookah bars and the closure of all hookah bars in the state. Acting swiftly on the instructions of the Chief Minister, the police department took strict action against all hookah bars, resulting in the closure of all hookah bars in the state.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel has directed that the aforementioned law should be amended, taking into account the current situation, to prevent the younger generation from becoming addicted to such substances. Accordingly, the Chhattisgarh Government has prepared a draft for necessary amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003. Competent permission was obtained after the amendment proposal of the Act was passed by the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. The Act was published in the Chhattisgarh Gazette on February 10, 2023, by the Chhattisgarh Law and Legislative Affairs Department.

As per the amendments made under the Act, the operation of any kind of hookah bar has been prohibited in the state. In addition, smoking through hookah or 'shisha' in any communal hookah bar has also been banned. A provision has been made to seize any material or object used as a subject or means of use in the hookah bar if it is found to be in operation. Any person found operating a hookah bar will be charged with a non-bailable offense and can face imprisonment for up to 3 years, but not less than 1 year, and a fine of up to Rs 50,000, but not less than Rs 10,000. Similarly, any person found smoking through a hookah in a hookah bar will be fined up to Rs 5,000, but not less than Rs 1,000. These amendments made in the relevant Act have come into effect immediately.

The strict provisions of the law will establish effective control over the operation of hookah bars and the tendency to smoke hookah in groups in the hookah bars.