In Ukraine, a popular restaurant entertainment has been banned.

The use of hookahs in restaurants and cafes will be banned from July 2022 – Supreme Court

The Cassation Administrative Court of the Supreme Court (CAS SC) confirmed the decision on the total ban on the use of hookahs in public catering establishments from July 2022 on December 20, 2024. This information was published by the Supreme Observer.

According to the new verdict, the CAS SC recognized any hookah preparation services as a form of encouragement for the sale of tobacco products, which is prohibited by law. The court annulled the decisions of previous instances and confirmed its position.

The case was considered on the lawsuit of a company against the State Food and Consumer Service regarding the cancellation of penalties. The company argued that it was only providing hookah usage services without encouraging the sale of tobacco products.

The court's decision is based on changes in legislation, specifically the prohibition of any use of tobacco products in public catering establishments, which was adopted on July 11, 2022. The ban applies to all types of hookahs.

The Supreme Court also reiterated that hookah services contradict the law 'On measures to prevent and reduce the consumption of tobacco products and their harmful effects on public health.'