Restaurants in Delhi serving nicotine Hookah as herbal Hookah: Delhi government

Restaurants and Hookah bars in Delhi are serving nicotine Hookah as herbal Hookah. Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell of Delhi government has conducted raids in various parts of Delhi and found significant amount of nicotine after analyzing samples. According to the Delhi government, Hookah bar and restaurants are selling these Hookah illegally and claiming them harmless.

The Delhi government on Tuesday has asked the police and municipal corporations to cancel the licences of restaurants, eateries and hotels where hookah smoking is allowed. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that hookah smoking was not allowed in either non-smoking or even smoking zones in the national capital.

Jain has said Delhi Police and municipal corporations should immediately cancel the licences of restaurants or eateries having hookah bars. “The minister has made it clear that hookah smoking is not allowed in non smoking zone as per section 4 of COTPA (Cigarette & other Tobacco Products Act),” the government said in a statement.

“According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one hour long Hookah session comprises 200 puffs compared to 30 puffs in a cigarette, Nonetheless a number of Hookah bars have been flourishing in the city of Delhi flouting all anti–tobacco rules and laws,” Delhi government said.

The government alleged that despite several letters to Delhi Police and civic bodies in last four years, no action was initiated against these "illegally" running hookah bars to save the younger generation from the harmful effects of tobacco.