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Hyderabad, February 13, 2024 – In a significant move aimed at safeguarding public health, the Telangana government has passed a bill banning hookah parlours across the state. The legislation, titled the Cigarettes and other tobacco products (Prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production supply and distribution) (Telangana Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced by Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu on behalf of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
Explaining the rationale behind the bill, Minister Babu emphasized the urgent need to address the detrimental effects of hookah consumption, which pose greater health risks compared to cigarettes. He highlighted the pervasive harm caused not only to smokers but also to passive smokers, particularly among the youth and college-going students who are increasingly falling prey to addiction.
Minister Babu underscored the deceptive allure of hookah parlours, where organizers exploit vulnerable individuals by enticing them into addictive habits. He emphasized that hookah smoking, with its popular appeal among young demographics, has become a growing concern, necessitating immediate legislative action to curb its proliferation.
Citing alarming statistics, Minister Babu revealed that 200 puffs of hookah are equivalent to 100 times the harmful effects of cigarettes, underscoring the severity of the health risks associated with hookah consumption. The bill was passed without discussion, reflecting the government’s commitment to swiftly address public health challenges.
The ban on hookah parlours aligns with the government’s broader efforts to promote public health and combat substance abuse. By prohibiting the operation of hookah establishments, the government aims to protect citizens, particularly the youth, from the adverse health consequences of hookah smoking.
The enactment of this legislation reaffirms Telangana’s commitment to prioritizing public health and underscores the government’s proactive approach in safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
