Karnataka Bans Sale, Consumption of Hookah Due to 'Associated Health Risks'

The government of Karnataka on Thursday decided to implement a ban on smoking of hookah in the state, in an aim to protect ‘public health and youth’.

Considering the serious health risks associated with it, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the ban.

Taking to 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”.

He further said, “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.”

The minister also attached the official state government order written in Kannada in his social media post.

The state health minister announced that the Karnataka government was mulling a ban on hookah bars and increasing the legal age for tobacco consumption from 18 to 21 years, in September 2023.

At that time, Gundu Rao had highlighted that the unknown ingredients used in hookahs could potentially lead to addiction.

In a similar move last year, the Haryana government had announced a ban on serving hookah to customers in hotels, restaurants, bars and commercial establishments across the state.