The Cyberabad and
Hyderabad Commissionerates have decided to act against hookah bars in
the city where even minors can walk in without restrictions. Greater
Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials have been urged not to
sanction trade licences for such bars. Following this, the GHMC
is considering to initially issue trade ‘conditional’ licence to those
interested in setting up Hookah bars. It is also reported that
gradually, the GHMC would stop issuing licenses. Meanwhile,
police are all set to crack down on illegal hookah bars that have
mushroomed in the twin cities. The fact that some of these bars are
turning out to be favourite hangout places college and school going
kids, is raising much concern.Recently, nine students of a well
known public school in Begumpet were apprehended by the police in a
hookah bar. They were released after taking a surety from their parents.
Police also raided restaurants in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and
Punjagutta areas. Hookahs were seized from a couple of places as they
were serving hookah to minors. R Ravinder Reddy, Assistant
Commissioner of Police (ACP), Banjara Hills division told City Express
that policemen were shocked to see school students at hookah parties
during a raid conducted recently on an illegal bar. Ten people,
including the staff and a few minor girls, who were present at the bar,
were arrested. “We counselled the children in the presence of their
parents.,’’ he added. According to police estimate, there are as many as
500 illegal hookah bars in the city.
By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com
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