Why Allahabad High Court said hookah service is banned in designated smoking areas
On September 29, the Allahabad High Court ruled that hookah service in designated smoking areas is banned under the current legal framework. The court dismissed a series of petitions filed by restaurant owners challenging the prohibition. The case arose from a 2017 amendment to smoking rules, which created an "absolute prohibition" on providing hookah service in such areas.
The High Court emphasized that hookah tobacco is recognized as a tobacco product under the law and that serving hookah involves preparing and maintaining the apparatus, making it a service. The court also rejected the argument that herbal hookah, which does not contain tobacco or nicotine, should be exempt from the ban.
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