Ban on hookah parlours across the state: Maharashtra Government

Maharashtra has become the second state to impose a blanket ban on hookah parlours across the state after the state of Gujarat. The Government has issued a notification regarding the same after the President gave his consent for the bill to be passed by the State legislature to ban hookah on October 4, 2018, having immediate effect across the state, hereinafter.

Earlier, the home department had planned only to regulate the hookah parlours, however, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis insisted on a blanket ban of hookah parlours as the December 2017 fire at Kamala Mills was caused due to an ember that came from a hookah.

The bill was introduced to amend the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 which was enacted by the Parliament to prohibit the advertisement and regulate the trade and commerce and production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India. The bill introduced provides for imprisonment upto 3 years and fine upto Rs. 1 lakh in case of any violation of any provisions.

Further, the ban has come into effect immediately as the State Government has already issued a notification regarding the same. Henceforth, making the state police responsible to ensure that the ban in implemented without any obstructions.

By- Roshni
Student reporter Inba