Hookah use permitted on patios as York Region restaurants reopen

Ban prohibiting use was lifted June 10

Aileen Zangouei
Yorkregion.com
June 15, 2021

Restaurants reopening their patios will be permitted to let patrons use hookahs as the restriction was lifted on June 10.

The restriction was issued by York Region's medical officer of health on March 25, under section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, requiring owners and operators of businesses to prohibit persons at the premises, including on a patio, from using a hookah. This ban has since been lifted starting at 11:59 p.m. June 10.

All hookah lounges that offer food or drink are still required to post a COVID-19 safety plan, and to be compliant with the Reopening Ontario Act.

Also, hookah lounges must be compliant with the Smoke Free Ontario Act, as tobacco products are not permitted in an enclosed public place or workplace in Ontario. This includes tobacco in hookah pipes. Tobacco use is also prohibited in any restaurant and bar patio and the public areas surrounding the patio. Appropriate signs must be posted.