Panchkula club owner booked for serving hookah

The police have registerd a case following a raid at a club in Sector 5, where hookahs were allegedly being served to customers.

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During the raid, which took place in the early hours of Friday, the police found The Escape Club flouting several norms, including those mentioned in the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The authorities found that hookah was being served without the necessary licenses, and the establishment had failed to comply with required health and safety standards.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of COTPA and other laws and investigations are now underway to determine whether other establishments in the area may be involved in similar activities.

Notably, hookah smoking, particularly in public places, is prohibited under the COTPA, which mandates strict regulations to protect public health and curb tobacco use.

The Commissioner of Police, meanwhile, reiterated the department’s commitment to taking stringent action against those violating the law, particularly when it comes to public health concerns. He urged citizens to report any unlawful activities, especially those related to unauthorised tobacco products or services, to help authorities maintain a safe environment.