Karnataka mulls banning hookah bars to curb illegal activities

Bengaluru, Oct 29: Taking cognisance of alleged illegal activities thriving under the garb of hookah bars, the Karnataka state government is contemplating a ban on such establishments.

Health Minister U.T. Khader made the announcement on Wednesday at the release of a study that examined the impact of the gutka ban in a few States. He said that several bars are providing narcotic substances to customers leading to addiction among youngsters.

“We have received several complaints in this regard and are serious about putting an end to this. The Punjab government has taken a similar decision. We will study under which law the ban has been imposed there,” he said.

Mr. Khader said the issue will be discussed with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “After getting the Chief Minister’s clearance, we will issue a notification regarding the ban,” he said.

In March 2011, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Council had passed a resolution on banning hookah bars. However, the order was subsequently quashed by the Karnataka High Court.