Lucknow– The Gomtinagar Police on Thursday raided a restaurant near Jaipuria School operating an illegal hookah bar under the guise of a regular eatery. During the raid, several customers managed to flee the scene, while the manager and a waiter were arrested. Police recovered four hookahs and multiple packets of flavored tobacco from the premises.
Inspector Brijesh Chandra Tiwari, who led the raid, said the restaurant—Pebbles—was being run in violation of tobacco and public health laws. The arrested individuals have been identified as Satyendra Kumar, a resident of Vinay Khand, who managed the establishment, and Anuj Kumar, a waiter from Vineet Khand. Upon questioning, the duo revealed that the restaurant is operated by a person named Manish, who allegedly directed them to run the hookah bar.
According to Inspector Tiwari, the hookah bar posed a serious public health risk, particularly to minors. “Many of the customers were underage, and shockingly, some were even allowed entry while wearing school uniforms,” he said. “They were being introduced to tobacco and flavored hookahs, a practice that’s both illegal and dangerous.”
Indian laws prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18, but establishments like this—operating under the guise of cafes—have been flouting such rules with impunity. The police emphasized that allowing minors access to hookah bars is not only unlawful but also contributes to early addiction among youth.
This is not the first time such illegal activities have been uncovered in the area. Gomtinagar and nearby localities have witnessed a string of similar crackdowns in recent months:
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February 22: A raid at Pebbles Bistro Café in Gomtinagar uncovered alcohol being served alongside hookahs.
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February 13: Garden Café near IT College Chauraha was raided; 12 hookahs were seized.
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January 16: A hookah bar was busted at Hotel Casa in Bazar Khala.
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January 23: Black Empire Café in Vikasnagar was sealed and 11 individuals arrested.
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January 24: Blackyard by Lux restaurant near Neelgiri Tirahe in Indiranagar was sealed for similar violations.
Police have assured strict action against repeat offenders and have urged parents to remain vigilant. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of involving the Excise and Food Safety Departments in future raids to clamp down on the illegal use of tobacco and alcohol in eateries masquerading as legitimate cafes.
