Punjab government bans hookah parlours after Gujarat and Maharashtra

The Government of Punjab imposed a complete ban on hookah parlours across the state, following similar prohibitions previously implemented in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The decision forms part of Punjab’s ongoing campaign to curb substance abuse and promote public health, particularly under its comprehensive Tandarust Punjab Mission.

Background and Context

Hookah smoking, traditionally associated with flavoured tobacco, has become increasingly popular among the youth in urban centres. In recent years, numerous hookah bars and lounges emerged in cities such as Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala, often operating under the guise of “flavoured” or “herbal” products.
Health experts and enforcement agencies, however, found that many of these establishments were using tobacco or nicotine-based substances illegally, posing serious health risks and contravening national anti-tobacco regulations.
To address these concerns and prevent the proliferation of such venues, the Punjab Government announced a statewide ban on hookah parlours, aligning itself with similar measures earlier adopted by Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Legal Framework and Enforcement

The prohibition was implemented under the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003—commonly known as the COTPA Act, 2003—and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The state’s Department of Health and Family Welfare, in coordination with district administrations and the police, was tasked with enforcing the ban.
Key directives under the ban include:

• Closure of all existing hookah bars, lounges, and cafés offering hookah services in any form.
• Prohibition on the sale, storage, or public use of hookah or hookah-related apparatus in commercial establishments.
• Strict penalties, including fines and legal action, for violators operating hookah parlours under any pretext.
• Continuous surveillance by local law enforcement to prevent re-emergence of illegal setups.

Rationale Behind the Ban

The Punjab Government’s decision is rooted in public health concerns, youth protection, and law enforcement priorities.
1. Health Risks: Medical research has shown that hookah smoke contains high levels of toxicants, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens. Contrary to popular belief, the water in a hookah does not filter out harmful substances.
According to studies, one hookah session may expose a smoker to more smoke and toxic compounds than several cigarettes, increasing the risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
2. Rising Youth Addiction: Hookah bars were seen as contributing to tobacco initiation among young people, many of whom perceived hookah as a “safe” or “fashionable” form of smoking. The government viewed the ban as a preventive step against early nicotine addiction and substance abuse.
3. Enforcement of National Anti-Tobacco Law: Most hookah parlours were found to be violating the COTPA Act, which prohibits smoking in public places. Since these establishments operated indoors and often used tobacco-based products, they were in direct contravention of national regulations.
4. Broader Anti-Drug Campaign: Punjab has been combating a severe drug crisis for over a decade. The hookah ban complements other state-level actions aimed at discouraging all forms of addictive substance use. It was also aligned with the “Drug-Free Punjab” campaign and other health-focused drives.

Comparative Precedents

Before Punjab, Gujarat and Maharashtra had implemented similar bans on hookah parlours, citing their contribution to youth addiction and public health hazards. Both states reported a significant reduction in illegal tobacco consumption after enforcement.
Following these examples, Punjab positioned itself among the states adopting strict anti-tobacco and anti-substance policies.

Implementation Mechanism in Punjab

The Punjab Government directed Deputy Commissioners and Police Commissioners to identify and shut down all operational hookah parlours. Task forces at the district and sub-divisional levels were constituted to monitor compliance.
Public awareness campaigns were also initiated to inform citizens about:

• The health dangers of hookah smoking.
• The legal implications of running or visiting hookah parlours.
• The broader objectives of the Tandarust Punjab Mission for a healthier state.

Public and Expert Reactions

The decision was widely welcomed by public health experts, parents, and social organisations concerned with youth welfare.
Supportive opinions emphasised:

• The move would help protect young people from exposure to harmful substances.
• It reinforces the state’s commitment to reducing tobacco use in all forms.
• It aligns Punjab with national efforts to implement the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).

However, some sections of the hospitality industry expressed concern, arguing that the ban affected their businesses, especially those that offered herbal, non-tobacco-based hookah. The government maintained that the ban was necessary to prevent misuse and health risks, regardless of the claimed ingredients.

Health Impact and Expected Outcomes

The ban is expected to have several positive outcomes for public health and social welfare:

• Reduction in tobacco and nicotine exposure, particularly among youth.
• Lower incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases linked to second-hand smoke.
• Improved enforcement of tobacco control laws and public hygiene standards.
• Contribution to Punjab’s long-term anti-drug and health objectives, supporting a cleaner social environment.

Integration with Tandarust Punjab Mission

The ban on hookah parlours is part of the Tandarust Punjab Mission, a multi-sectoral initiative launched to create a healthier and more sustainable environment in the state. The mission covers diverse areas such as:

• Air and water quality improvement.
• Food and drug safety.
• Public health awareness.
• Anti-addiction and wellness programmes.

By prohibiting hookah parlours, the state aimed to eliminate yet another avenue for addictive behaviour and to reinforce its message of health-conscious living.

Significance

The Punjab Government’s decision reflects a progressive public health approach, balancing individual freedoms with community well-being. By taking decisive action against hookah parlours, Punjab joins the growing list of Indian states prioritising preventive health policies over reactive enforcement.
This measure not only strengthens the state’s anti-tobacco and anti-drug agenda but also underscores Punjab’s resolve to safeguard its youth from the social and medical consequences of substance abuse.