Singapore to Ban Shisha Tobacco
On Tuesday November 4th, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Faishal Ibrahim announced that shisha tobacco will be illegal to import, distribute, or use in Singapore beginning later this month.
The Cigarette Alternative
In recent year, Shisha tobacco, used collectively with the water pipe known as Hookah, has been increasing in popularity amongst young Singaporeans. Singapore, a country known for its strict social controls, has been struggling with the popularity of the recreationally enjoyable yet harmful alternative tobacco. Due to its variety of flavors, often fruit flavors, many mistakenly believe that shisha to be healthier than normal cigarette smoke.
Following the government’s announcement, a prominent Singaporean daily, The Straits Times immediately released an article about the “5 Myths of Shisha Smoking.” In it, the Singapore Press Holdings owned newspaper attempted to debunk myths surrounding shisha smoking and emphasized the negative impact of shisha on long term health.
The World Health Organization also claims that shisha can not only be consumed faster than cigarettes, but can also be the equivalent of 100 cigarettes in one 45-minute session. However, most sessions last from one to three hours. Coupled with alcohol, the combination’s long term effects can be much more lethal and addictive than normal tobacco products.
The Nonexistent Future of Shisha
According to a Singapore governmental survey, shisha usage has jumped from two percent to percent to nine percent between 2009 to 2012, particularly amongst Singaporean youth.
“In view of the health risks associated with shisha smoking and to prevent the proliferation and entrenchment of shisha smoking in Singapore, my ministry intends to prohibit the import, distribution and sale of shisha,” Faishal told lawmakers during a legislative session. Foreigners will also be prohibited to bring Shisha into the city-state, even for personal use.
The new law will be under Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations under Section 15 of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Electronic cigarettes and indoor public smoking are already banned in Singapore with a normal pack of cigarettes costing Sg$12 (US$9).
Not So Easy
Banning shisha so simply, however, does not come without obstacles.
An online survey of a popular daily, The New Paper, suggests that 44% of Singaporeans agree with the new ban while 56% disagree with it. Responses have ranged from wondering why cigarettes and alcohol have not been banned as well, to the negative impact the ban would have on businesses.
42-year-old Mr. Jamuri Busori, who has owned a cafe since 2004 on Haji Lane in Singapore’s Arab Street, said, "Although we don't sell shisha, I don't think banning it is a good idea because shisha is one of the main things stores here [in Arab Street] are known for."
Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Muslim quarter near Arab Street, is currently the most popular location for hookah bars and cafes. The area has become a tourist and Singapore favorite for food, drinks, and of course, hookah. Currently, the starting price for a hookah session is Sg$15 (US$12).
Acknowledging that the upcoming Shisha ban will heavily affect producers and sellers of the popular tobacco product, the state has made provisions for retailers and importers to phase out Shisha tobacco supplies until the end of July 2016 -- after which the ban will take effect.
"This allows such importers and retailers ample time to deplete their stock and restructure their businesses away from the shisha business,” Faishal said. After that, anyone in possession with a cigarette is liable to be fined up to SG$5,000.
Reactions to the ban have had almost a comical effect in Singapore with users finding alternative paths, including flying to Dubai, to continue their recreational shisha pastime.