Hookahs may be banned in public spaces
Hookahs, the fad among tobacco users, are likely to be banned in public places.
By : teena thacker
Update: 2014-01-25 10:50 GMT
New Delhi: Hookahs, the fad among tobacco users, are likely to be banned in public places. The Union health ministry is considering putting these “tobacco-laced water pipes” under the ambit of existing 'smoke-free laws'.
These laws, which came into force from October 2, 2008, prohibit smoking in public places. Once a ban is in force, lounges and clubs cannot serve “sheesha” in food courts.
The ministry plans to frame rules under which clubs and lounges with seating for 30 or more people and hotels with more than 30 rooms can set up special enclosures for “hookah” lovers.
Once the rules are in pl-ace, those caught puffing hookahs in public places have to pay fines and owners of clubs and other establishments may have licenses cancelled.