7/6/2008
The days may be numbered for hookah bars in Vancouver.
City staff say the establishments are breaking the provincial health by-laws.
Those sweeping tobacco regulations that saw a three-metre buffer zone between smokers and doorways, as well as a ban on smoking indoors, have been in effect for three months.
Hookah bars have been largely exempt from those regulations, but Vancouver city staff are recommending no further amendments to the health by-laws, effectively stopping hookah patrons from lighting up.
The hookah bars in Vancouver have argued since a fruit-based substance is being burned in the bowls, and not tobacco, they are in compliance.
But city staff say smoke is smoke regardless of the source.
Council will be reviewing the recommendations this week.
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