AfterTek

Hookah bars, the latest fad involving the smoking of a Middle Eastern water pipe, could be coming to the town of Whittier soon. But it can’t be as a stand-alone business; it will have to be a secondary use as part of a retail tobacco shop. So ruled the Whittier Planning Commission on Monday after more than an hour discussion about health and safety concerns and even a comparison with the existing Havana House.

“Feels comfortable as long as it’s an ancillary to the principal sale of tobacco,” said Jeff Collier, director of community development. Collier, who must make the determination, said that means the sale of tobacco must generate more revenue than the renting of hookahs. Fred Chang of Hacienda Heights wants to open what he calls as “tobacco enthusiast lounge” that would include the rental of hookahs.

“I’d like to have a nice social lounge,” he said. He already has rented space at 6727 Comstock Ave., but city officials refused to issue a business license until they could determine whether the use is legal. The hookah or “water pipe” is made out of a clay bowl with the body used as a water reservoir, and a stem or hose for the inhalation of tobacco smoke, according to a Whittier city staff report.

Their use has become popular among young adults. Hookah tobacco is a moist, paste-like mixture of tobacco, honey, molasses and pulp of different fruits. It originated in India in the 16th century and is commonly used today in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Commissioners, some of whom said they had never heard of the product until this application, had some concerns before passing the issue back to Collier. “This is a product for which you come in and rent,” said Commissioner Tomas Duran. “You’re not purchasing a cigar for consumption. That distinguishes it from the other tobacco house. The other question I have is about loitering.”

Another concern was about the sanitation because hookahs are reused, but officials said the city has no jurisdiction. That’s an issue for the Los Angeles County Health Department. There is opposition to the use of hookah from health groups, including the American Lung Association. The association has published a report saying the use of hookah poses serious health risks.