National Business Column Outlook

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), in collaboration with relevant government agencies responsible for public health, consumer protection, and law enforcement, has announced an immediate prohibition on the sale, distribution, promotion, and use of Shisha, also known as Hookah, at nightclubs, bars, lounges, and similar entertainment establishments.

The directive requires owners and operators of affected establishments to immediately stop all activities involving Shisha on their premises.

While Shisha has become increasingly popular, particularly among young people and patrons of entertainment centers, health experts have repeatedly warned that the practice is not a harmless alternative to cigarette smoking.

 What is Shisha?

Shisha, or waterpipe smoking, involves heating tobacco—often flavored—with charcoal. The resulting smoke passes through water before being inhaled through a hose and mouthpiece.

One of the most common misconceptions about Shisha is that the water filters out the dangerous substances in tobacco smoke. However, the World Health Organization says waterpipe smoking exposes users to toxic substances, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, metals and cancer-causing chemicals.

The charcoal used to heat Shisha also produces carbon monoxide and other toxic substances, adding to the health risks associated with the practice.

 Health Disadvantages of Shisha

1. It can cause nicotine addiction

Many Shisha products contain tobacco and nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can lead to dependence. The World Health Organization says nicotine is particularly harmful to children, adolescents and young adults because their brains are still developing.

2. It can damage the lungs

Shisha smoke contains toxic chemicals that can contribute to respiratory problems and long-term lung disease. Research reviewed through the WHO tobacco-control program has found associations between waterpipe smoking and respiratory illness and lung cancer.

3. It increases exposure to carbon monoxide

Because charcoal is commonly used to heat Shisha, users can inhale significant amounts of carbon monoxide. This can reduce the amount of oxygen carried in the blood and may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and weakness.

4. It can affect the heart and blood vessels

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. WHO states that all forms of tobacco use are harmful and that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.

5. It exposes non-smokers to second-hand smoke

People sitting around someone smoking Shisha can also inhale tobacco smoke and emissions from the charcoal. WHO warns that second-hand waterpipe smoke poses health risks, including to children and pregnant women.

6. Sharing Shisha can increase the risk of infection

Shisha is often used socially, with several people sharing a hose or mouthpiece. When equipment is not properly cleaned or individual mouthpieces are not used, sharing may facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases.

7. It may increase cancer risk

Tobacco smoke contains carcinogenic substances, and waterpipe smoking has been associated with increased risks of certain cancers, including lung cancer.

 Are There Any Advantages?

Unlike some foods, medicines or physical activities that have established health benefits, there are no recognized health benefits to smoking tobacco through Shisha.

However, Shisha may have social or recreational appeal. Some people use it as a way of socializing, relaxing or spending time with friends. Flavored Shisha can also make the experience more attractive to users, particularly young people.

These perceived social benefits, however, should not be confused with health benefits. The pleasant taste, aroma and social atmosphere do not eliminate the harmful substances produced by tobacco and charcoal.

There are also tobacco-free or nicotine-free products marketed as Shisha alternatives. However, this does not automatically mean that smoking them is harmless, particularly when charcoal is involved, because charcoal itself produces carbon monoxide and other harmful substances.

 Why the Ban Matters

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s decision places the issue of Shisha beyond entertainment and squarely within the broader conversation about public health and consumer protection.

The growing popularity of Shisha, particularly in entertainment establishments, makes public awareness important. The WHO notes that the belief that waterpipe smoking is safer than cigarette smoking is a significant misconception.

The immediate prohibition therefore sends a strong message to nightclub, bar and lounge operators that Shisha products should no longer be sold, promoted or used within their establishments.

For consumers, particularly young people, the message is equally important: the fact that smoke passes through water does not make Shisha safe.

As Liberia strengthens its public-health and consumer-protection measures, greater education and enforcement will be necessary to ensure that the directive is understood, respected and effectively implemented.