The Karnataka government has decided to ban hookah bars across the state.
It is also set to increase the age limit for purchasing tobacco products from 18 years to 21.
State ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao and B Nagendra said that the government will soon bring a bill to amend the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act to safeguard the younger generation.
"Our intention is to protect the children, and we are certain that the ban will not be opposed. Some owners may go to court, but no one will take to the streets," said the ministers.
The government is also planning to ban the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational, religious, health services and government institutions.