Cong workers come out against hookah parlours

“When we visited these parlours,they said they did not have permits to run these parlours. They are violating the BMC provisions and the police have not taken any action against them,” said Rakesh Shetty,president of the wing.

He said 84 such parlours were closed down in the city two years ago following a similar campaign launched by then Mayor and Shiv Sena leader Shubha Raul.

“Since then,no one has shown any interest in the matter. We need to take the initiative and within 15 days,all hookah parlours in the city will be forced to close down.”       

Shetty said the Congress workers had,on Friday,visited the hookah parlours in popular malls in Mulund. “The joints like Mocca and Pop Tates are operating without permission. We will take up this matter with the Chief Minister and the Home Minister.” Shetty said he was under pressure to withdraw the agitation.

“I have received several phone calls even from within my party to withdraw the campaign. I am urging all political parties to ensure that these parlours are shut,as they are affecting our youth,” he said.