Shisha Ban hits Tanzania from July 11th, 2016.! Exclusive Interview between Bongohub.co.tz with Mr. Muntazir Hussein

The most recent buzz in the city of Dar es Salaam was the ban of tobacco laced sheesha smoking. The Prime Minister, Mr. Kassim Majaliwa, has banned sheesha smoking in the country, asking clerics, parents and all leaders to fight against dealers and smokers.

The PM's order came as Dar es Salaam’s Regional Commissioner (RC) Paul Makonda has declared war against dealers of tobacco-laced sheesha in the city of Dar es Salaam, insisting that all the joints that sell sheesha should be closed.

Sheesha is molasses-based tobacco concoction smoked in a water pipe known as 'hookah'. According to Mr. Majaliwa, the consumption of sheesha resulted into temptation to indulge in all sorts of vices and eroding morals among the youth.

But how many citizens are satisfied with this judgment? And what about the business owners of the various sheesha lounges and joints who had to close down their evergreen running businesses within 7 working days! Also, will this not affect the economy of the city? We had questions!

Lucky enough, Mr. Muntazir Hussein, a sheesha supplier of various establishments across the country was kind enough to share his take on this matter with Bohttp://bongohub.co.tzngohub.co.tz, Keep reading…

1.       Officials in Dar es Salaam claim that fruit flavored tobacco sheesha water pipes attract young non smokers into taking up occasional smoking, what is your take on this?

This statement is not true.

"Enjoy it responsibly and you'll find it creates fruitful and mesmerizing memories."

Boys and girls below the age of 18 are usually under the watch of their parents/ guardians, while adults have the right to decide for themselves.

We restrict underage smoking at our establishments and are very careful when promoting such services to the public.

2.       Is it true that not all sheesha contain tobacco?

Yes, it is true.

Several brands including Aroma and Herbal Sheesha have 0% tobacco, Tar & Nicotine.

3.       Do you agree with the myth that “sheesha is addictive”?

"Sheesha allows you to socialize and reflect on the finer things in life.”

It is not addictive. Every person who enjoys smoking Sheesha can have two or more sessions a week, only during evenings for an hour or two, maximum.

"It teaches you patience and tolerance whilst also allowing you to appreciate good company."

4.       Sheesha lounges have now become the “platform to socialize”. Smoking hookah is part of a social practice. Do you think the public will replace it with something worse? How positive do you think the result of this ban will turn out?

"When you get the formula of a Sheesha right it creates a harmonious relationship with its enthusiasts allowing them to sit back and indulge in an exquisite session."

In my opinion, officials should allow certain establishments to operate under official licenses, especially the international hotels within the country which caters for the international market.

If the government allows such laws to pass without thorough investigations, not only will TRA loose a large revenue collection from the importation of the products by the business owners but also affect businesses at large.

I'm afraid the youths will indulge more into drinking and smoking cigarettes.

5.       According to you, how do you think this ban is going to affect the economy?

We are already seeing a drop in business. I’m afraid the ban for Sheesha may contribute to a drastic fall in the economy and have an immense impact on smoking restaurant business owners.

Sheesha specialists have lost jobs, the demand for basic sheesha condiments such like coal has fallen, business owners are cutting down on advertising and café's are empty.

6.       Since in other parts of Tanzania e.g. Zanzibar, Arusha etc, Sheesha is still pretty legal – do you, as a business man see a better financial future there? Is Dar es Salaam falling back?

Dar es Salaam is the main hub for business compare to the other cities, while Zanzibar holds a seasonal market.

I strongly request the government officials to learn from the developed countries on how to implement licenses and restrictions instead of enforcing laws which affect businesses at large. This method is not healthy for a country which has been struggling to develop for a stronger economy.

7.       In your opinion, will the ban have an effect on tourism?

Certainly.

We need to understand that Sheesha holds a very niche market in the country.

Sheesha is not at all a threat. I do not see how Tanzania is being affected by Sheesha while occupying less than 1% of the market.

Our main target is the international market and it is absolutely necessary for us to cater them with services including Sheesha.

While alcohol and cigarettes are sold legally, globally, which statistically are the main causes of deaths around the world, I don't see the need of banning Sheesha while careful measures and restrictions can be implemented throughout the country.

8.       Hookah has been a Middle Eastern practice for decades to remember. Now that it got more popular – is when it became a health concern. No one cared when it was just confined to a specific ethnic group. Do you think the demand for sheesha and the rise in smoking restaurants have triggered the ban?

I disagree.

I believe there are a minority who will always try to abuse and misuse something for their own benefits.

Sheesha has been propagated as one of the dangerous ways of smoking while the entire world has been practicing it for generations.

I believe such services should be restricted from bars/ pubs and clubs to start with, because these are the places where Sheesha is being misused. Secondly, licenses to ghetto joints where Sheesha is accompanied with Marijuana, Mirungi, Alcohol and other drugs should be completely banned.

I will be willing to help the government to point out a few places which operate illegally in the city.

9.       Smoking cigarettes are legally sold globally yet we have decided to ban hookahs and e-cigarettes! Should we assume it is the flavored tobacco they want to get rid of since it attracts younger generations?

I fail to understand the discrimination between the types of tobacco.

Also, the law clearly states that smoking above the age of 18 is a personal choice, so why discontinue the smoking of sheesha which is less harmful than cigarettes?

10.   Your take home message as to why you are against this ban would be..

I strongly believe if our approach is logical and satisfying, the government will reconsider and allow certain establishments to operate under legal rights.

Source: Bongohub.co.tz