Karnataka government can impose ban on hookah bar, possibility of bill being brought
Currently smoking is prohibited in public places, according to COTPA ( cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act ). The Karnataka government has made some amendments to the Act including a ban on tobacco consumption in public, increasing fines for violating tobacco consumption and cigarette smoking regulations.
Keeping in mind the harmful health effects of tobacco on the youth, the Karnataka government is considering banning the hookah bar. There is a possibility of bringing a bill related to this.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, 'Young adults ranging from 12 years old to 25 years old are going to the hookah bar. Tobacco consumption has to be stopped. Therefore a law should be passed.'
Currently smoking is prohibited in public places, according to COTPA ( cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act ). The Karnataka government has made some amendments to the Act including a ban on tobacco consumption in public, increasing fines for violating tobacco consumption and cigarette smoking regulations.
Currently COTPA bans tobacco sales around educational institutions. Karnataka Health Department, which came under Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, has decided to amend the Act which is used in hospitals, health institutions, courts, government offices, temples, Prohibits the sale of tobacco around mosques and churches as well as schools and colleges. Restrictions are applicable on the radius of 100 meters of these places.
He said that we do not know what material is mixed during the intake of hookah. This material is leading them to intoxication. It is being misused.
According to COTPA, the sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products to anyone under 18 is prohibited. Now this limit has been proposed to be increased by the Health Department to 21 years.
The Health Minister said that consumption of tobacco and cigarettes causes cancer in the youth. The number is increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to take some strict steps.
