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SNIFF UPPER LIP: Mayor Dr Shubha Raul visited Mocha at Churchgate recently.PIC/BIPIN KOKATE |
Owners of hookah parlours have decided to send a legal notice to the BMC asking them to impose a ban on cigarettes, tobacco and liquor before enforcing a ban on hookah. They also want to know why these products are not under the BMC scanner.
Executive health officer, Dr J Thanekar, has a bizarre excuse for banning hookah. He believes it is more injurious than cigarette. "You don't get a kick when you smoke a cigarette, whereas having a hookah is like having four cigarettes. This, then, becomes an addiction," he says.
Suhail Mansoori, owner of Suhail's China Blue at Carter road, is livid. "Why don't they think cigarettes, tobacco and liquor are more harmful? Why are they behind us?" fumes Mansoori, who has reported a 50 per cent loss in his business.
The BMC had issued licences to hookah establishments under Section 394 of the BMC Act, which is meant for eateries. However, these restaurants also serve hookah. There is no specific law for starting a hookah bar. In that case, restaurateurs want to know on what grounds has the BMC banned hookah.
"The BMC sent notices to a few hookah joints telling them not to serve hookah to those under 18, while others were asked to completely stop serving hookah. What are they up to, why there is a discrimination?" asks Shakil Bhure, owner of Mogul Sarai restaurant in Bandra.
Riyaaz Amlani, managing director, Mocha, received six different guidelines for his six outlets.
"This is just a political stunt. The BMC themselves are confused," says Amlani, who feels regulating the business is important.
BMC guidelines
- Licence certificate should be displayed in the premises.
- Do not use hookah service where fire/naked flames is lit.
- Serving of hookah in public premises is a source of nuisance/danger to health and property in opinion of health experts.
-Trade board needs to be exhibited.
- General cleanliness should be maintained.
