In a significant move aimed at curbing substance abuse among the youth, the Karnataka government has announced its intention to ban hookah bars and restrict the sale of tobacco products to individuals below 21 years of age.
The decision was announced by Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who emphasized the need for stronger regulations under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) to combat the growing issue of drug addiction among the state’s youth.
Minister Rao has pledged to collaborate with local organizations and law enforcement agencies to enforce the ban on drug consumption within hookah bars. The announcement followed a meeting between Minister Rao, Health Department officials, and Sports Minister B Nagendra at Vikas Soudha in Bengaluru, during which they discussed the broader prohibition of tobacco products in public spaces.
Under the proposed amendments to the COTPA Act, the purchase of tobacco products by individuals under 21 years of age will be strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the consumption and sale of various tobacco products, including cigarettes, will be banned in all public places, including educational institutions (schools and colleges), hospitals, childcare centers, healthcare facilities, religious institutions (temples, mandirs, mosques), and public parks.
As part of the comprehensive measures, Minister Rao also proposed raising the minimum age for tobacco consumption. The amendment to the COTPA Act will require individuals to be above 18 years of age to purchase tobacco products legally. This change aims to restrict access to tobacco and discourage its use among young adults. Additionally, individuals above 21 years of age will be allowed to legally consume tobacco products once the amendment is implemented.
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