Chennai: Greater Chennai Police, in coordination with the state health department, registered cases against operators of 13 hookah bars following inspections at 14 establishments across the city.The inspections were conducted by a team under the supervision of deputy commissioners of police. They inspected hookah bars in Teynampet, Vepery, Nungambakkam, Egmore, Anna Salai, Mylapore and Royapettah.The teams checked whether the establishments had valid licences and complied with govt regulations. They also examined whether prohibited tobacco products or narcotic substances were being used on the premises.Based on suspected violations, police registered 13 cases against the operators of 13 establishments and seized equipment used for smoking hookah. The seized materials were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for examination.The police also cautioned the public, especially youngsters, against using prohibited tobacco products and narcotic substances, citing the health risks associated with their consumption.
