Haryana Bans Hookah In Bars And Restaurants, Government To Target Supply Chain

The ban comes months after Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta raised a demand that commercial establishments stop serving hookah.

The Haryana government on Monday announced a ban on serving 'hookah' to customers in hotels, restaurants, bars, and commercial establishments across the state. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who was in Karnal for a Cyclothon, called it an important step in ensuring the state becomes drug free. The event was held to spread awareness about the need to control the menace of drugs. However, it is not be noted that Haryana government's prohibition will not apply to traditional hookahs used in rural areas.

"Our campaign against drugs will continue. Looking at the success of the Cyclothon campaign, I urge people to participate in campaigns to take drug addicts to de-addiction centres and help in their rehabilitation," said Mr Khattar.

"I also promise that the government will destroy the supply chain network of smugglers," the Chief Minister added.