Why Allahabad High Court said hookah service is banned in designated smoking areas
The Allahabad High Court ruled that restaurants may not serve tobacco or herbal hookah in designated smoking areas, citing a 2017 amendment that imposed an absolute ban on services there. Police may seize tobacco products if violations are suspected. The court said public health and non-smokers’ right to clean air outweigh business interests and urged UP to consider stronger anti-hookah measures.