Gujarat Cabinet bans hookah bars across the state
The Gujarat Cabinet on Thursday cleared an ordinance which seeks to impose a total ban on hookah bars across the state, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani said. Once the law comes into effect, those found violating it could face prison up to 3 years and a fine up to ?50,000, Gujarat MoS for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja said. 
Ahmedabad, Dec 15 (PTI) The Gujarat Cabinet today cleared an Ordinance, which seeks to impose a total ban on hookah bars across the state. "The Gujarat cabinet today approved an ordinance to effect necessary amendments in the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003," Minister of State for Home, Pradeepsinh Jadeja said in Gandhinagar. Once it comes into effect, those found operating such hookah joints in violation of the law, would face stringent action, including imprisonment up to three years, he said. "To save our youths from this deadly addiction, our government has decided to shut all the hookah bars. Running a hookah bar will be considered as a cognisable offence which would attract a fine of Rs 20,000 to 50,000 and imprisonment from one year to three years," said Jadeja. 