Where the Hookah Bars Are

Where the Hookah Bars Are

In the past six years, seven new hookah bars have opened in Rhode Island.

First in was Byblos, near the corner of Thayer and Meeting streets on the East Side of Providence. Byblos opened its doors about five years ago—coinciding with a new law that banned smoking in workplaces.

But Byblos is allowed to operated as a “smoking bar,” which means more than 50 percent of its revenue is from the sale of tobacco products. Cigar bars are also permitted to do business under the same exception.

Two years ago, two other bars opened: the NARA Lounge on Atwells Avenue in Providence and the Sedra Café at 99 Fortin Road in Kingston.

Today there are four more: Hookah Nights in Woonsocket, the Mazaj Café, also on Atwells Avenue, Tea in Sahara on the East Side of Providence, and Zenobia—virtually next door to Byblos on Meeting Street.

One online listing has several bars listed, along with underage user postings.