Cultural Practices vs. Government Laws

Cultural Practices vs. Government Laws

In the past two years the use of hookah, which are water pipes used to smoke flavored tobacco or herbal molasses, has been a hotly debated issue all over the province of Alberta.  On November 7, 2013 an amendment was passed to Bill 33, which originally prohibited smoking in public places and workplaces, banned retail displays and advertising of tobacco products, and prohibited the sale of tobacco products in university campuses and stores that have a pharmacy in them, to include the ban of smoking tobacco like products in public places and vehicles.  The government of Alberta has been trying to crack down on smoking for the past six years but the new amendment has proven to have a strong cultural impact on people of Middle Eastern decent living in the province.  The use of hookah is a common and accepted cultural and social practice in many Middle Eastern cultures that dates back hundreds of years.  Many people of Middle Eastern decent carry on this tradition to this day and share this cultural tradition with other cultures by opening restaurants and lounges that provide exposure to Middle Eastern traditions, food, and include the use of hookah in these establishments.  The controversy on this topic stems from the rise of water pipe use among teenagers and young adults in the last two years.  Many government officials believe that the use of hookah is a possible gateway to further smoking habits and that having these devices in business establishments that offer food effects public health.  The business owners effected by this law knew for some time that the government had ideas to ban the product from public places, but had hoped they would choose to regulate hookah use, much like tobacco sales in gas stations and smoke shops, instead of a complete ban.  With the introduction of this law many small business owners that offer the product not only feel that their businesses are being targeted but also that their cultural practices are being ostracized in a country that is know for it's acceptance of multicultural beliefs and practices. Since both sides of this issue raise valid points the debate over hookah use will remain a hot topic in Alberta for some time.  I believe that both parties should seek further discussions with one another and compromise on a middle ground that provides solutions that appease the beliefs and goals of all the individuals involved before making any further laws or decisions.

Works Cited

Alberta. Dept. of Health. Tobacco Reduction in Alberta. Alberta: DoH, 2013. Print

Komarnicki, Jamie, "Hookah Ban a Blow to Business: Restaurant Owner," Calgary Herald 2 Dec. 2013, Final Ed.: Print.