Guwahati Municipal Corporation Bans Puffing of Hookah in Bars

GUWAHATI: The GMC (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) has released an order prohibiting smoking of hookah in hotels, restaurants, taverns, and bars including any public places etc as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19.

"It is well known that hookah smoking causes serious health risks. In a typical 1-hour smoking session, users may inhale 100-200 times the amount of smoke they would inhale from a single cigarette. Secondhand smoke from hookahs can be a health risk for people who don't smoke. Additionally, the mouthpiece, the hose and the water in the hookah can harbour and transmit bacteria from one user to another when shared. This is an indicator that the coronavirus can spread through hookah sharing. Tobacco use may increase the risk of suffering from serious symptoms due to COVID-19," stated the GMC in a release.

Hookah Ban in Guwahati Bars

On March 15 and 17, the GMC officials conducted inspections at hookah bars under the jurisdiction of GMC in order to enquire about their operations. During the inspection, it was found that the hookah bars were serving hookah along with other services without proper demarcation for smoking and non-smoking area. Compliance with regulations as per COTPA, 2003 was not strictly followed. Also, as per a report submitted by Tobacco Control Lab, Health Department, Assam, materials seized during inspection contain a very high level of nicotine which is not permissible, stated a GMC release.

In this regard, the GMC banned the following registered hookah bars that are within its jurisdiction — Addicted, RGB Road; Cloud 7, G.S. Road, Bhangagarh; Hide Out, G.S. Road, Ganeshguri; Hotel Palacio, Khanapara; Rush Entertainment, RGB Road; INV Enterprise, G.S. Road; and By The Way, Dighalipukhuri.

The hookah bars have been banned in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation until further order. Any, person violating the order will be dealt with appropriately and will be prosecuted under provisions of the law, the release added.

Also Read: GMC Conducts De-Siltation Work at Various Locations of Guwahati