With at least 13 clubs and bars found flouting the hookah ban in the past two months, the Chandigarh administration on Wednesday issued an order that will invoke strict penal provisions against the violators.
The orders issued by the chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, UT, said that if the violation of the prohibition on serving hookah is violated, then the premises of the respective hotels, restaurants and bars will be closed for three days. Also, action will be taken against the owner and manager under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The administration had banned serving of hookahs to contain the spread of Covid-19. Sub-divisional magistrates will ensure proper implementation of the order.
Managements of Pipe and Barrel Bar in Sector 9 and Poison Bar in Sector 17 have been booked under the strict provisions after police teams found them flouting the hookah ban. A case was registered against Sumesh Gagneja of Pipe and Barrel besides Naresh Bhandhari and Sushant Nagpal of Poison under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 58 (offence by companies) of the Disaster Management Act.
