Ban on sheesha, huqqa, cigarette smoking: DTS issues notices to 21 restaurants of Karachi

Recently devolved to Sindh Tourism Department, the Department of Tourism Services (DTS) has issued notices to 21 hotels/restaurants of Karachi for prohibition of 'sheesha', 'huqqa' and cigarette smoking, Business Recorder learnt on Monday.
Following the resolution regarding prohibition of Sheesha, Huqqa and cigarette smoking in restaurants/hotels, passed by Sindh Assembly, the Tourism Department has directed the Department of Tourism Services to take this step to implement the resolution in letter and spirit.
The Department of Tourism Services issued notices to 21 hotels/restaurants of Karachi on June 2, regarding prohibition of Sheesha, Huqqa and cigarette smoking. According to details, DTS issued notices to Hukka Pani, Clifton; H F Juice Centre, Gulshan-e-Iqbal; Barf Juice Centre, Hasan Square; Ali Baba Restaurant, main Super Highway; Five Star Juice Corner, Manghopir; Hukka Bar, North Nazimabad; Sajjad Restaurant, main Super Highway, Tanduri Hut, Clifton; Evolution, DHA; Labbaik Extension, DHA; Sheraton Pool Side, Hotel Sheraton; Roadside Café, Clifton; Studio Café, DHA; Le Grand Coffee Lounge, Zamzama DHA; Green Apartment Fast, Tariq Road; Kababeesh Sea View, DHA; Arabian Nights, Clifton; Karhaee Inn, Clifton; Saba Snack Bar, NIPA Chowrangi; Afshan Snack Bar Juice Centre, Gulshan-e-Iqbal; and Fruiter (Spam) Fast Food and Snack Bar, Civic Centre.
Notices stated: "You are well aware that government has imposed ban on use of smoking like cigarette, sheesha and huqqa in public places and hotels/restaurants etc vide SRO. 51 (KE) 2009 dated 15.06.2009. It has been learnt that cigarette, sheesha and huqqa being used in your restaurant/hotel would be the violation of the government directives.
"If you will not follow the government directives in this regard, appropriate action would be taken against you, and your establishment will be sealed." In this connection, this correspondent tried to get the version of Deputy Controller of DTS, Shams-ul-Matin, but he could not be reached despite many attempts.
However, Secretary, Tourism, Dilwar Ali Mangi confirmed to Business Recorder, saying: "We will see for about 15 days, if any restaurant/hotel would be found violator of government directives regarding proscription of Sheesha, Huqqa and cigarette smoking, would be sealed and the owner would be arrested as well".