Here is something everyone needs to know. Every event, gathering or function has little to some expected etiquette.

In my opinion, hookah is no different. Although I find myself more tolerant around rookies, I can flare up around people who should know better.

Hookah has introduced me to people from all around the world. I enjoy conversing over hookah the most, as opposed to sitting by myself watching television or YouTube videos or something.

These are some of the rules, if you will, I have heard over the years.

No hookah can be above man. (Physically)

No hookah can be above another hookah.

You may not light a cigarette off of a hookah coal.

You may not smoke a cigarette and hookah simultaneously.

You may not ash your cigarette on the hookah coal tray.

You may not hold the hose in your left hand, as your left hand is unclean.

The left hand is the hand that is used to wipe your bottom in the middle east.

Sorry Lefties

Oddly enough I apply most of these rules in my daily routine. Except for the lefty rule. We don’t have the bidet culture in the United States, so I do not worry about that.

I tend to smoke with a group of my close friends. We gather at my garage -roughly ten to twelve people on average I would say. We dubbed ourselves Le Garage. You’re jealous. Here are some of the rules that are in effect in our sessions.

Grab your pipe by the base if you are moving it. We’re tired of cleaning broken bases.

Ask if anyone needs coals if you are going to put some coals up for yourself.

Please do not slobber all over my mouth piece, I know the bowl I prepared is delicious.

Ask to invite friends. This isn’t a business place.

Chip in. We spend a lot of money to fund our hobby. It’s not necessarily cash we want, maybe bring drinks, or snacks.

If you want to try someones pipe, ask first. No one likes to leave the room and come back to someone else sitting on their pipe.

Please don’t touch my coals. Your heat management is suspect. I’d rather cash my own bowl.

Bring your pipe if you have one. We would love to make fun of you, uh I mean educate you.

Yes, it seems like there are a lot of “rules”. However, you would realize that these are almost common sense if not courtesy matters. Hookah is all about enjoyment and relaxation. If you are to disrupt this, please seek other venues. That’s not to say we cannot have a good time and get loud from time to time, we just would appreciate to keep the complaining to a minimum.

For house parties I go to , my tolerance is a bit lower. I tend to have separate rules for that. They are as following:

Do not ask me to set up my pipe. I am going to when I want to.

Wait your turn. This is my pipe, I will share it if I want to.

Do not yank my hose. Come closer, I won’t bite…hard.

No slobbering , also don’t deep-throat my mouthpiece please. You can do that on your own time.

Please don’t thumb my hose. This isn’t a multi-hose.

Don’t touch my coals. I doubt your heat management skills.

If its too harsh for you, don’t smoke it. You probably can’t handle Tangiers Noir. That’s not an insult, I struggled to adjust to Tangiers for years.

You want to help me set up? Put 3 coals up please. It’s very unlikely I will let you prepare my rig. Also, a sheet of foil would be great! Thanks 🙂

Please tell me more about your hookah knowledge. I would love to hear about your Chinese 3 hose hookah you bought for a hundred dollars. The clouds you speak of were massive I’m sure. Also, please tell me more about how quick your instant lights were compared to my naturals. Hookah is a patient man’s gig. If you are about a quick fix, may I suggest a new hobby.



These are my guidelines to a good time! Leave in comments some of the rules you have put in place for you group of friends.