Allahabad HC Bans Hookah in Restaurants Even in Smoking Areas

The Allahabad High Court ruled that restaurants, cafes, and public places in Uttar Pradesh cannot serve hookah to customers, even in designated smoking areas. The Lucknow bench dismissed petitions seeking permission for hookah service in licensed food establishments. The court clarified that designated smoking areas do not exempt businesses from the broader public smoking ban under COTPA and related rules, including preparing and serving hookah as a service.

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