30,000 People Will Be Unemployed Due to the Closure of Traditional Tea Houses in Karaj

Saeed Firouzgah, a member of the Karaj City Council, states that the closure of traditional tea houses in the city will lead to 30,000 people becoming unemployed. Abbas Alaei, the head of the union of traditional tea houses, had previously warned that restrictions on tea houses and traditional cafes would 'trap thousands of people.' According to a report on Sunday, May 1, by ISNA, Firouzgah mentioned that these tea houses have currently become a 'source of income for many' citizens of Karaj. He pointed out that 30,000 people are employed in this sector and that many people visit these places twice a day for leisure. Alaei had also warned that 'tea houses and hookahs are a source of income for thousands of families,' and if traditional tea houses are closed, thousands will be unemployed. He stated that 'creating restrictions for tea houses and traditional restaurants puts pressure on those working in this sector. People do not have enough income to live. Their entire life revolves around this shop and making money from these hookahs. What should someone do when their shop is closed?' He emphasized that hookah has a 'centuries-old root' in Iran and opposed the removal of hookahs from tea houses and cafes, saying that 'the source of income for tea houses is the hookah, and if it is removed, all tea houses must close, which means the end of a centuries-old tea house culture. When the whole world provides places for smokers, why should we stubbornly oppose this issue?' The head of the union of tea house owners and traditional tea houses added that it took five years for him and his colleagues to convince the government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that some people earn their 'bread' this way. According to Alaei, in addition to those directly employed in this sector, others such as 'charcoal sellers, tobacco sellers, hookah sellers, and sellers of sugar and tea' also earn a living from these tea houses. The concern of the Karaj City Council member arose after reports of the closure of traditional tea houses and cafes in various parts of the country, especially in tourist cities. Police officials believe these establishments have become places for the spread of various crimes and social delinquency. Many of these types of establishments have been closed for reasons such as not adhering to Islamic decorum or serving hookah to women. Meanwhile, Alaei stated that tea houses and traditional cafes are 'a property and there is no problem' and that 'if there are issues with individuals coming to the tea house, it does not relate to the establishment itself.' Every year, with the arrival of summer and the increase in citizens visiting recreational areas, the number of police patrols and presence also increases. However, specialists and researchers have issued numerous warnings regarding hookah consumption. A recent study published in the Canadian journal 'Pediatrics' shows that 'hookah smoke contains nicotine, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens, and in some cases, the toxic substances in hookah smoke are several times more dangerous than cigarette smoke.' In Iran itself, the head of the Society of Internal Specialists has warned that many students start using tobacco at the age of 15, especially with hookah, which increases the likelihood of cancer.