Hyderabad: Hookah joints claim they are coffee shops

Hyderabad: Most of the hookah centres operate as coffee shops, restaurants and gaming points, where entry to minors is allowed. The city has around 500 such establishments operating using permissions obtained for running restaurants and coffee shops.

“They also run hookah parlours in the premises. Entry to minors is free at these locations. Minors can go to these joints for coffee or food and buy hookah,” a city policeman said. Police has been conducting raids on these centres to check the entry of minors, and they have become stricter after the recent accident at Banjara Hills which claimed three lives.

As a result of police action, these centres have stopped entry to minors, leading them to find alternatives for the hookah. “The hookah pen has come to our notice and we have raided possible locations for clues but we could not find any. We have stepped up vigil,” a senior police official from Hyderabad said.

Owners of hookah centres say that they are not allowing minors and are not serving hookah mixed with alcohol or nicotine. “We are following all instructions given by the police. We have set up CCTV cameras on the premises. We are paying tax to the government. The continuous raids are affecting our business. We are losing customers and staff as well,” said Mr Jeeshan, one of the owners of a coffee shop.