RAIPUR: The CG government has imposed a permanent ban on hookah bars across the state. Taking a decision the Bhupesh Baghel cabinet stated that a non bailable offence will be registered along with three years of imprisonment and a fine ranging from Rs10,000-50,000 will be levied on those violating the act.
An official comminique stated that the provisions made to Sections 4 and 6 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) would be implemented with effect immediately.
Apart from hookah bars, serving hookah in restaurants, and pubs is also prohibited.
The state government’s move is seen as an attempt to check the rising trend of hookah bars as also to discourage the use of tobacco among youngsters.
In recent years the Chhattisgarh state has witnessed a substantial increase in the hookah bars coming up in different towns. According to the officials, over a thousand hookah centres are run merely on the basis of Gumasta license in the state.