There’s some news on the horizon that could spell trouble for those who enjoy tobaccoless hookah smoking. News reports are stating that the Big Apple is considering a hookah ban in bars because several of the counselors there are saying it is only a loophole that allows it in the first place hookah smoking. News reports are stating that the Big Apple is considering a hookah ban in bars because several of the counselors there are saying it is only a loophole that allows it in the first place.
The move questions the legal age to smoke hookah and the bill introduced a motion to limit the sale of hookah pipes to those over 21. The Smoke-Free Air Act in NYC prohibits tobacco use in public bars. However, patrons have been using a herbal form that is tobacco free in bars to get around the law.
This latest move could begin a movement to answer the question is hookah legal. In fact, the NYC health department found in 2014 that even some hookah bars had been spiking their products with tobacco so this latest move didn’t catch everyone by surprise.
Another Councilmember in New York is proposing for a hookah ban that will stop any new lounges from opening up. However, there was at least one dissenting opinion. Councilmember Antonio Reynoso argued against any further hookah ban citing the issues that it would create for small business. Tobacco related hookah products are already banned from bars in New York.