Admin tightens noose on hookah bars

In an effort to stop use of tobacco products, the Gurgaon district administration has invoked Section 144 of the CrPC on all hookah bars running across the city.

In an effort to stop use of tobacco products, the Gurgaon district administration has invoked Section 144 of the CrPC on all hookah bars running across the city.

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The order issued by district magistrate PC Meena said that hookah bars are serving tobacco molasses containing nicotine, which is injurious to health.

Meena said that taking the health hazards of tobacco and nicotine into account, the operation of hookah bars have been prohibited in the entire district with immediate effect.

The orders have been sent to the district police and health authorities for strict compliance. Besides, all SDMs, district revenue officer, estate officers of Huda, tehsildars, naib tehsildars, block and panchayat level officers, general manager of Haryana Roadways and other officers have been asked to enforce the order. Those found violating the order will be dealt with strict legal action.

In July 2011, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had banned the use of nicotine as an additive in any substance, including sheesha or hookah, served in bars across the state.

Nicotine is considered a poisonous drug and even a drop of it in the blood could be fatal. The high court had also directed the authorities to form a task force to monitor and close down all hookah and sheesha bars.

Officials of the Haryana Food and Drugs Authority and police jointly conducted raids at two premises in DLF Phase-4 where illegal hookah bars were running.