Adults Only

Shisha is for adults only.  Sales to minors should be prohibited and supported by age verification at the point of sale with legal penalties for failure to comply.  

Occasional Use

According to the German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR) average consumers in Germany smoke between one and two water pipes a week.  By comparison, the BfR states that the average German cigarette smoker smokes 20 to 30 cigarettes per day.

Federal Institute of Risk Shisha Frequently Asked Questions 

Flavours

The regulation of flavours in tobacco products is becoming increasingly common.  Virtually all shisha is flavoured.  This means that a ban on flavoured tobacco products, which includes shisha, would be a de facto ban on the unique culture, history, and use of shisha.  

Low Teen Use

Unlike cigarettes and e-cigarettes, shisha has never triggered a teen use concern.  While a small number of teens may try shisha once or twice, evidence from around the world indicates shisha is not popular with teens. In the USA, government research found that just 2.6% of teens used shisha in the last 30 days, >10 times lower than the number of teens that vape. 

Shisha is one of the least popular nicotine products among teens

Opposition of Shisha Bans

ESCA is vigorously opposed to a shisha ban in any part of Europe. 

A shisha ban is incompatible with any tolerant, inclusive society and would disproportionately prejudice communities with North African, Asian or Middle Eastern roots.

Unique Product, Unique Regulations

Shisha should be regulated and restricted for adult use only.  It should carry appropriate consumer warning notices on its packaging. However, shisha is a unique product and it should be regulated and taxed based on its unique product characteristics and consumption patterns.