Udupi police conducted a raid on a hookah lounge in Manipal, resulting in the booking of eight customers and the outlet manager for violating COTPA regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • Police raided the 'DRNK Lab' outlet in Manipal.
  • Eight customers and one manager were booked under COTPA Act.
  • The raid was conducted following a tip-off regarding illegal hookah operations.

In a significant crackdown on illegal tobacco activities, the Manipal Police raided the 'DRNK Lab' outlet located in Iris Plaza, Vidyaratna Nagar. The operation resulted in the booking of eight individuals found smoking hookah at the premises.

Violation of COTPA Regulations

Udupi Superintendent of Police, Hariram Shankar, confirmed that the raid was executed following specific intelligence regarding the illegal operation of a hookah bar. The police identified eight consumers—residents of Kundapur, Byndoor, Gangolli, and Udupi—who were actively using hookah during the raid.

In addition to the consumers, the outlet manager, Mohammed Safwan, has also been booked. The charges have been filed under Section 4 (A) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, which regulates the trade and distribution of tobacco products.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this enforcement action highlights the strict implementation of the recent amendments to the COTPA in Karnataka. Since the notification on May 30, 2025, running a hookah bar has been a direct violation of state law, marking a shift in how local authorities manage public health risks associated with tobacco-based social venues.

The crackdown on hookah bars is a decisive step towards enforcing the strict tobacco control amendments passed by the Karnataka government.

Historical Background

The legal landscape changed significantly on May 30, 2025, when Karnataka notified amendments to the COTPA. These amendments specifically included Section 4A, which explicitly prohibits the opening or operation of hookah bars, aiming to curb the rising trend of hookah consumption among younger demographics.

Did You Know?: Hookah smoking can expose individuals to higher levels of toxic chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes due to the volume of smoke inhaled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What law was violated during the Manipal raid?
The individuals violated Section 4 (A) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003.

2. Is it legal to run a hookah bar in Karnataka?
No, following the 2025 amendments, operating a hookah bar is strictly prohibited in the state.