Don't bogart that hubble bubble...

From Iran Focus News.

Silly me, at first I thought they were talking about the telescope:
For centuries its rich aromas and ornate design have formed an integral part of Persian culture. But now the hubble-bubble, or water pipe, is set to disappear from Iran's traditional restaurants and tea-houses as part of a stringent anti-smoking drive by the government.

Health watchdogs are to collect the smoking devices from eating and drinking places under a sweeping purge of tobacco products signed into law by the president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The move means an end here to a pastime that is popular across the Middle East but which for long has been viewed as a decadent indulgence by the Islamic authorities in Iran.

Being a big flirt and mingler myself, I especially liked this part:

Two years ago some establishments forbade women from smoking on the grounds it encouraged public flirting and mingling between the sexes. However the latest ban is likely have greater force after being approved by the powerful guardian's council, a body of clerics and judges charged with assessing the religious and moral suitability of legislation.

Geez, this sounds like the health nazis at work. Call me a pot smoking Republican but this just makes me want to smoke a joint or something.

The government is setting up enforcement measures in a broad package that also bans smoking in all public buildings and workplaces and on public transport, and outlaws selling cigarettes to under-18s. People found smoking at work face being docked a month's salary.All advertising and publicity promoting tobacco is to be outlawed. Police will be empowered to fine offenders up to £30 or issue a court summons.The government says that 50,000 Iranians die each year from tobacco related illnesses.