Hookah bar and lounge owners are expressing concern that the statewide anti-smoking ban under consideration by a state House committee would include their establishments. But it’s unlikely the legislation would pass the chamber in its current form.
House Bill 145, as it’s drafted, would outlaw smoking in businesses and other public places including hookah bars – making it stricter than even Lexington’s current anti-smoking ordinance.
If the law were to somehow pass as is, Lexington hookah lounge owner George Natour says he would be willing to go to court to protect his business – one he argues is different from a regular bar.
"We don't allow people to smoke cigs in this place because it is a different kind of smoke, as you can tell. Hookah smoke does not bother a lot of people, especially if they're just sitting there hanging out, but a lot of cigarette smoke bothers some people," he says.
But statewide anti-smoking law sponsor Rep. Susan Westrom is quick to caution that the bill is in the early stages and amendments are sure to come. She expects plenty of debate over the details.
"It is one of the gray areas, just like the vapors from e-cigarettes," she tells WUKY. "And each community that has addressed those issues has done it independently. I know Richmond has banned hookah bars."
Lexington's Urban County Council recently added e-cigarettes to the city's ban.
Hookahs are water pipes used to smoke flavored tobacco.
