Special Correspondent
Mumbai: Expressing concern over the increasing number of hookah parlours in Pune, BJP MLA Sunil Kamble raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that stricter laws would be implemented against hookah parlours, emphasizing that many offenders do not fear consequences unless they face imprisonment. He stated that the government would introduce laws to ensure stricter punishments.
Kamble highlighted the rampant sale of hookah in Pune and demanded stricter regulations. Addressing the issue, Fadnavis announced that the law governing hookah parlours would be made more stringent. Repeat offenders would face non-bailable offenses, and if a hookah parlour is caught violating the law a second time, its license would be suspended for six months. If caught a third time, the establishment’s license would be permanently revoked.
“Many people do not fear consequences unless they are jailed. Therefore, we will amend the law to ensure that repeat offenders are arrested. Additionally, hookah is often supplied at private parties, which are organized through social media. Strict action will be taken against those supplying hookah at such parties as well,” Fadnavis warned.
He further stated that the existing law, which allows for up to three years of imprisonment for serving hookah in hotels or restaurants, would be strengthened. The revised law will ensure that repeat offenses result in harsher penalties, including permanent cancellation of licenses and non-bailable charges for third-time offenders.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam clarified that there is no provision for granting licenses to hookah parlours. He pointed out that the Maharashtra government had banned hookah parlours in 2018. However, some parlour owners approached the court and obtained permission to sell herbal hookah, which does not contain tobacco. However, many establishments misuse this provision to sell tobacco-based hookah illegally.
Kadam informed the assembly that the police have been vigilant, registering 50 cases last year and seizing hookah-related materials worth ₹1.25 crore. The government remains firm on its stance against hookah parlours and will take strict legal action
