Hookah Banned In Karnataka: Here's Why

With a focus on safeguarding "public health and youth," the Karnataka government has opted to enforce a statewide prohibition on hookah smoking, citing its "significant health risks," as declared by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday.

In a post on X, the Minister said, "Statewide ban on hookah to protect public health and youth. Given the serious health risks associated with hookah smoking, we have taken decisive action by banning hookah smoking across the state".

"In light of this concern, we are implementing a ban on hookah smoking in Karnataka by amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Our government is working to build a safer and healthier environment for our future generations," he added.

Accompanying the announcement was the official order from the state government, documented in Kannada.

In September 2023, the state health minister had indicated that the Karnataka government was contemplating a prohibition on hookah bars and an increase in the legal age for tobacco consumption from 18 to 21 years. Gundu Rao had emphasized the potential addiction risks stemming from the unidentified substances used in hookahs.

Furthermore, following a similar course of action last year, the Haryana government had declared a ban on serving hookah to patrons in hotels, restaurants, bars, and commercial establishments across the state. However, this prohibition in Haryana excludes traditional hookahs commonly used in rural areas.