Shisha/hookah was banned for sale in this country late last year by the health ministry. The ban caught most flat-footed as many bar owners had to resort to going to court hurriedly to stop the order from becoming law. but the courts were having none of that and rejected the appeal.

This has precipitated the firing and loss of jobs by many in the service industry. My question is was the ban warranted? Could the government have avoided completely banning hookah and just introduce tighter measures for those allowed to purchase it?

My opinion is this matter is simple. but with stringent rules like the ones enforced on the cigarette industry. Jobs have been lost as a result of the ham-handed approach by the government. In a country where finding a job to do is difficult, taking away a legitimate earning job is ludicrous!