The Karnataka government this week passed legislation banning hookah lounges statewide, enacting strict penalties for violations in a bid to protect public health.The new law amends existing tobacco control regulations to prohibit the operation of hookah bars, which allow patrons to smoke flavoured tobacco through a communal waterpipe. Those flouting the ban face potential fines up to £700 and jail terms ranging from one to three years.The crackdown comes amid alarming data on tobacco use in Karnataka from a recent WHO survey. The findings showed nearly 23% of adults in the state currently use tobacco products, with 8.8% identified as cigarette smokers(NicDelivery). An additional 23.9% qualify as passive smokers through secondhand exposure.In announcing the move, state minister Priyank Kharge cited concerns over the prevalence of hookah lounges near schools and the participation of underage youth. The amended law boosts the minimum age for buying tobacco to 21 and mandates smoke-free public places.The total prohibition follows similar actions by other state governments, including Telanganas ban on hookah parlours last month. Haryana enacted a comparable ban on hookah in hotels and restaurants last year.Health advocates have welcomed Karnatakas forceful stand against hookah, a consumption method considered especially hazardous. Outlawing hookah lounges aims to stem an alarming rise in tobacco usage and smoking-related disease among young demographics.Rao said there is no way to ascertain what goes into the hookahs. “We really do not know what substance is being given to our young generation in the name of flavours,” he said. Nagendra observed that smoking hookahs for 30-45 minutes can cause damage equal to 120-150 sticks of cigarettes and alternative option is disposable vapes. “Addiction is especially high among those aged between 13 and 29 years. Therefore, the state government has decided to give the first priority to ban hookah bars. We want to make Karnataka hookah-free,” he said. Viho Supercharge 20K.He added that the government will soon issue an order to launch awareness campaigns across the state, especially in taluk and district headquarters. Programmes will also be organised at the village panchayat level. Viho Turbo Vape
