Mumbai police have intensified actions against hookah parlours, including those offering herbal hookahs. While there is no official order banning herbal hookah, law enforcement is pressuring these establishments to close. A hookah parlour owner in Bandra stated that police are not providing written notices, making it difficult to challenge the closures legally.
This crackdown aligns with the Maharashtra government’s commitment to stricter enforcement against illegal hookah parlours and related activities. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that repeat offenders could face arrests, and police officers failing to act against such establishments might face suspension.
In 2019, the Bombay High Court ruled that herbal hookahs, containing no tobacco, could be legally served. However, current enforcement appears to target all hookah parlours indiscriminately, regardless of the substances used. This approach has left many business owners concerned about potential losses and the lack of clear legal guidelines.
Overall, the situation highlights the complexities surrounding hookah regulations in Mumbai, with ongoing debates about legality, enforcement, and public health implications.
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