Comprehensive action to ensure legality
In recent days, the Carabinieri NAS and the Customs and Monopolies Agency conducted over 100 inspections in “Shisha bars” across Italy. These venues specialize in the consumption of hookah molasses and water pipe tobacco. The operation uncovered several legal violations.
The most significant issue was the lack of a “special license”, required for the sale and on-site consumption of these products. Authorities seized over 68 kilograms of molasses without official marking and reported five individuals to administrative authorities.
Penalties for violations
Violations carry serious consequences. For the absence of authorization:
- Administrative fines ranging from €5,000 to €10,000;
- Criminal penalties for quantities exceeding 5 kilograms.
If products lack proper markings:
- €5 per gram fine, with a minimum of €5,000 and a maximum of €75,000;
- Criminal penalties for quantities exceeding 15 kilograms or under aggravated circumstances.
This operation highlights the effective collaboration between the Carabinieri and the Customs and Monopolies Agency, safeguarding legality and public health.
Hookah: an underestimated risk
When it comes to recreational smoking, hookahs often escape scrutiny despite their significant risks. Known as shisha, this Egyptian-origin device has gained popularity thanks to enticing flavors and an underestimation of its dangers.
Hookah smoke contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals. Hookah sessions, lasting up to 80 minutes, expose users to smoke volumes equivalent to 100 cigarettes. This increases health risks for both active and passive smokers and raises the potential for infectious disease transmission when sharing mouthpieces.
Conclusion: a commitment to public health
The intervention by Italian authorities is a vital step in protecting consumers and promoting legality. Public awareness about the risks associated with hookah consumption, both in terms of health and law, remains crucial.
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