A hundred school students were recently caught in a Gurgaon pub, consuming alcohol and smoking hookah, a case that is neither isolated nor unique.
There are nearly 30 such places in the Capital where schoolchildren are easily given access to hookahs. Surprisingly, they are also served liquor, violating all regulations without any hitch quite openly.
Despite the ban on hookah parlours, pinned down by the Delhi High Court last year, such spots in the Capital are flourishing, obviously in connivance with the administration and the city police. Alarmingly, they thrive on business from schoolchildren.
The minimum age in Delhi to serve is 25 years, but it is common sight to see school students queuing up before restobars offering hookah. Interestingly, topping the list of violators are cafes and bars in posh areas like Hauz Khas Village, Khan Market and Connaught Place. Guided by profits, such parlours conveniently overlook their underage clientele.
The escape route is simple. Now, one can't find hookah mentioned on their menu, but can easily get one by asking for it verbally, for a meagre cost of Rs 150. "Such spots provide hookah on special requests because it's illegal. We never face any problem in getting liquor or hookah, though we are asked by venders to bring larger numbers so we can get special discount," said Akriti Arora, a 17-year-old journalism student.
"Some spots even establish a code word for procuring hookah and alcohol services for students," said Umar Abdullah, a first year student of Delhi University.
Evolving trends have proven to be highly conducive to stakeholders of such lounges and restobars. However, most of them refuse to agree directly or admit to any lapse on their part and rather push the blame on underage youths.
"Yes, we do get students who come in groups. We deny them entry, but today's generation is so aggressive that often we have no other option left," said a manager of a lounge bar in Khan Market.
Justifying their move allowing access to a minor, he casually added, "If we do not allow them, they create a scene and disturb our other customers."
A few of owners of such joints even blamed the parents. "They bring in some 'connections' and we have no alternative but to give them what they ask for. It is banned but even parents are to be blamed. Children celebrate birthday, farewell parties here. They have alcohol and smoke. Where does the money come fromIJ Parents should keep an eye on their kids," said the owner of a pub in Hauz Khas Village.
On the other hand, several youths see absolutely no harm in it. "Everyone in my school does it. Part of growing up involves trying new things. Most teens try using alcohol and tobacco for many reasons. It reduces stress and looks cool as well. Many try it out of curiosity," said Sahil Suri, a class XI student of a prestigious school.