Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a strict warning against illegal hookah parlors, announcing that any hotel or restaurant found violating the ban will face permanent license cancellation.
While hookah consumption is banned by law, several hotels and restaurants in Pune, particularly near college campuses, continue to operate illegal hookah parlors. Authorities have expressed concern that these establishments are not just serving hookah but are also facilitating drug consumption, including marijuana and other narcotics, posing a serious risk to the youth.
The issue was raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly by MLA Sunil Kamble from the Cantonment constituency, who questioned whether hookah parlors in Koregaon Park and surrounding areas had received official permits. Responding to this, CM Fadnavis clarified that strict enforcement will be implemented.
Amendments to Strengthen Enforcement
Fadnavis highlighted that a law banning hookah parlors was enacted in 2018, but now tougher enforcement measures will be introduced to curb violations. Under the existing law, first-time offenders face up to three years in prison.
To further strengthen the law, he announced upcoming amendments with stricter penalties:
For a second offense: The hotel or restaurant's license will be suspended for six months.
For a third offense: The license will be permanently canceled, and a non-bailable criminal case will be filed against the violator.