State to make rules for hubble-bubble

Mumbai: Due to the criticism surrounding hookah parlours, the state government is thinking of regulating them. These parlours are found flouting rules and the police and the Brihanmumbai Muni-cipal Corporation (BMC) are not taking any action against them, said sources. However, after 14 lives were lost in the Kamala Mills tragedy last month, and demands by the Shiv Sena, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the home department to take steps to regulate hookah parlours, sources told The Asian Age.

According to the fire brigade’s preliminary report, the Kamala Mills fire was allegedly caused by the flying embers from a lighted charcoal used in a illegal hookah in one of the two gutted pubs.

The concept of a hookah parlour is similar to a smoking zone in a restaurant, bar or pub. Activities like dancing, DJ’ing or serving food and liquor is not allowed in such smoking zones. Also, the sale of tobacco is not permitted and that zone should be a small room where no inflammable material is kept. However, the rules are being defied and in some cases, the entire hotel area is found to be used as a smoking zone or a hookah parlour, where tobacco products are sold and fire games are allowed, said sources.

Now it is the responsibility of the police and the BMC authorities to visit these parlours and take action and cancel the restaurant permit. However, because of corrupt officials, these parlours are still running smoothly, sources added.