Karnataka Government Plans Law to Regulate Hookah Bars, Prioritising Youth Health

Belagavi: Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar affirmed the government's plans to enact a law for the regulation of hookah bars after discussions with the health and food departments.

Responding to a question by MLA CK Ramamurthy on Tuesday, the Home Minister stated that the law aims to safeguard the health of the youth.

G Parameshwar told the house that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) does not issue permits for the establishment of hookah bars. Instead, these establishments are operated by traders holding licenses from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Despite a court directive suggesting the allocation of a separate space for hookah smokers, no specific control measures have been outlined.

He assured that a law will be implemented to regulate hookah bars, with a focus on safeguarding the health of the youth.

The proposed law will address this gap and prioritize the health of the youth.

Speaking about the fire incident at a hookah bar in Koramangala, Bengaluru, on October 19, Dr G Parameshwar clarified that no casualties were reported. He said that 14 cylinders were stored in the hookah bar on the third floor.

Participating in the discussion MLA and former Minister Suresh Kumar highlighted the health risks associated with smoking hookah, asserting that it has been proven to be 200 times more harmful than smoking a cigarette.

He added that several states, including Punjab, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, have already banned hookah bars and health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has also advocated for a similar measure. Suresh Kumar urged the government to take prompt action in this regard.

MLA CK Ramamurthy urged the government to ban hookah bars, cautioning against their misleading impact on the youth.