Shisha to be banned in Singapore from this month

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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/shisha-to-be-banned-in/1452290.html

The Ministry of Health (MOH) intends to prohibit the import, distribution and sale of shisha from later this month.

In view of the health risks associated with shisha smoking, and to prevent the proliferation and entrenchment of shisha smoking in Singapore, the ban will be effected later this month.

However, as a transitional measure, existing licensed tobacco importers and retailers who import or sell shisha tobacco will be allowed to continue importing and retailing shisha tobacco until Jul 31, 2016.

This allows such importers and retailers ample time to deplete their stock and restructure their businesses away from the shisha business.

On Channel NewsAsia's Facebook page, many expressed dismay that shisha has been banned, arguing that adults should have the right to exercise choice.

Some said the move should go further, and that cigarettes should be banned as well. Others applauded the ban, saying all manner of smoking, is harmful.

Cafe owners expect big hit from shisha ban
The Government's clampdown on shisha will hurt business badly, according to most cafe and restaurant owners offering it.

Shops selling the product - which is burnt and smoked through a pipe connected to a water vessel - said shisha sales account for 60 per cent to 80 per cent of their business.

Two shops that have stopped selling shisha in the past year said they have seen a drop of up to 70 per cent in takings.

As of last month, there were 16 licensed shisha retailers located in areas such as Boat Quay and Kampong Glam - a number that has dwindled in recent years. There were 47 shisha cafes in 2010, up from just one in 2002.

Last year, 12 out of 23 such cafes in Kampong Glam had their outdoor smoking licences revoked for allowing shisha smoking outside designated areas.

Shop owners and managers whom The Straits Times spoke to also pointed out that shisha is imbedded in Middle Eastern culture.

Mr Gaser Aly, 42, a chef at Ceder Grill, a Lebanese restaurant at Boat Quay, said shisha is a part of Middle Eastern cuisine, to be enjoyed after a meal.

Most of the restaurant's patrons are expatriates from the Middle East, he said.

One cafe that is considering closing is Ogopogo, in Bussorah Street.

Shisha smokers whom The Straits Times spoke to expressed their unhappiness over the ban.