Hookah Enthusiasts face disappointment as the Bombay HC rules that restaurants cannot serve hookah under eating house licenses. The court’s decision also prohibits hookah service from service areas, as it falls outside the license’s scope. The ruling comes after entrepreneur Sayli Parkhi challenged a health officer’s order to cease hookah service at her Restaurant, arguing that the license allowed it. The court rejected the argument, stating that serving hookah in eating houses poses health risks and creates a nuisance. The decision prioritizes public health and safety over hookah enthusiasts’ desires.
In a similar case in year 2019 the Bengaluru HC ruled that hookah is a smoking device should be used only in the designated smoking area of a restaurant.