Despite legal bans under COTPA in several Indian states, hookah bars continue to operate openly, exposing users and bystanders to dangerous toxins. This study, led by SIPHER, conducted covert telephonic inquiries across 142 hospitality venues in 10 states and UTs to assess compliance.

Shockingly, 40.14% of venues admitted to serving hookah. The findings underscore critical enforcement gaps, loopholes like “herbal” hookahs, and a dire need for centralized regulation and public awareness.