Mumbai: In a late-night crackdown on Sunday, the Juhu Police raided an illegal hookah parlour operating in a posh residential area of JVPD, Juhu, exposing serious violations of tobacco laws and fire safety norms. A total of 45 patrons, including five young women, have been booked under various sections, along with the manager and staff of the parlour.
The hookah lounge, named ‘Till Next Time’, was found serving flavoured tobacco hookah, which is banned under Indian law. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a surprise raid and discovered several flavours of tobacco, glass hookah apparatus, rubber pipes, and related paraphernalia. While hookah service with herbal flavour is allowed in 30% of designated seating areas under "smoking zones", this parlour was flouting norms by serving tobacco-based hookah openly.
During the raid, police detained Irfaaan Khan (27), the manager, Rizwan Chaudhary (25), the assistant manager, and 10 other employees involved in preparing and serving hookah. The 45 customers, all in the age group of 20–30 years, including five women, were also booked. They have been issued notices under Section 35(3) and other relevant provisions.
Charges have been filed under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2023, specifically Sections 20, 21, 21A, 4, 4A(7), as well as Sections 125, 287, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Major Fire Safety Lapses Noted: In a disturbing revelation, police noted serious fire hazards at the venue. The parlour lacked a fire safety audit, and burning embers used for hookah were found exposed near dry decorative elements, creating a potential fire risk. The place was filled with dense smoke, and combustible materials were spotted throughout the area.
Police have warned that further action will be taken against establishments violating public safety and tobacco laws. The investigation is ongoing, and additional inspections of other
