Hookah bars -substances used in hookah and sent it to forensic science laboratory to know the content

AHMEDABAD: Proceedings in Gujarat high court in connection with functioning of hookah bars took an interesting turn on Thursday. The court asked city police to submit a detailed report on whether the bars had flouted norms.


When the city police claimed that they had inspected all 34 hookah bars situated in the city and found them to be following prescribed norms, one of the bar owners told court that police had never inspected his premises. This was in striking contrast to police claims.


The court directed the police to carry out inspection again and report on bars flouting norms. This direction came after the state government informed the court that city police commissioner has recently issued a circular prescribing fresh norms for bar operators.

Meanwhile, upon court's direction the police had collected samples of substances used in hookah and sent it to forensic science laboratory to know the content.

The high court, last year, initiated suo motu proceedings on the issue of hookah bars after a local daily reported that these bars cater to juveniles. It accused them of allowing prohibited activities on their premises.



While the bars' association has been contending that its members follow all instructions given by local police and adhere to all conditions laid down in the law, an NGO Insaf Trust has alleged these hookah bars of using tobacco and harmful content for the smoke.