Action was initiated as products were said to contain nicotine

The Chennai Corporation has started to raid hookah bars in various parts of the city. The samples collected recently from the lounges have been sent for analyses and action is likely to be initiated on the owners based on the report.

The action against four hookah bars was initiated by the civic body as the products are said to contain a small amount of nicotine.

The large number of teenagers visiting the lounges is a cause for concern, said an official of the civic body. At least 20 more such hookah bars are likely to face action.

The hookah bars obtain licence from the Corporation only for running a restaurant or selling coffee but the products are found to contain substances harmful to health, said the official. Action was taken as the bars were being run without or contrary to the conditions of licence and sanitary conditions stipulated under the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919. Section 279, 287, 288, 309, 299(1) and 304 of Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act 1919 supports this. After issuing the notices under the relevant sections, the trade could be closed and sealed with the orders of the zonal officer as per section 379 (A) of the Act.

The products available in the lounges in flavours such as paan, apple, green apple and blueberry are said to contain nicotine.

Public health officials of the civic body said hookahs had gained popularity in city but it is incorrect to assume that hookahs are less harmful than cigarettes.