Council backs off immediate hookah ban but warns owners that it's still coming

City councillors backed away from an immediate hookah ban Wednesday, opting to pass the idea in principle but consult with lounge owners before it takes effect.
That means it could be several years before hookah pipes and the smoking of shisha in public places is banned but that move is coming.
“Please plan for a day when water pipes, with combustion at least, will be ruled out in Edmonton,” said Coun. Scott McKeen, chairing council’s community services committee. “Public