The Karnataka government, under Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao‘s leadership, has announced a statewide ban on hookah smoking aimed at protecting public health and youth. This decision comes in response to the serious health risks associated with hookah smoking. The ban will be implemented by amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in Karnataka.
In a communication shared on X platform, Minister Rao stated, “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 elaborated, “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.”
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.
In light of this concern, we are implementing a ban on hookah smoking in Karnataka… pic.twitter.com/6zxVRbPJKU
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) February 8, 2024
The Minister’s statement was accompanied by the official state government order written in Kannada, detailing the enforcement of the ban.
This decision follows earlier discussions in September 2023 when the state health minister proposed banning hookah bars and raising the legal age for tobacco consumption from 18 to 21 years. Gundu Rao had then emphasized the potential for addiction due to the unknown ingredients used in hookahs.
Furthermore, in a similar initiative last year, the Haryana government had declared a prohibition on serving hookah to customers in hotels, restaurants, bars, and commercial establishments across the state.
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