Keeping the night going: The role of hookah bars in evening drinking behaviours

Hookah smoking is becoming a more popular trend in the USA, especially in college towns. Although research has revealed some of the risks associated with hookah use, few studies have examined co-use of hookah and alcohol in natural settings. In this study, patrons leaving hookah bars and traditional bars were approached and asked to participate in a study. Participants completed a survey on hookah use, alcohol use and other risk behaviours. Patrons also provided information about where they were prior to attending the bar and where they intended to go next. In a sample of 172 hookah bar patrons and 196 traditional bar patrons, more than half of the hookah bar patrons reported that their planned destination was a location other than their own residence. In addition, more than half of the hookah bar patrons intended to drink alcohol at their next location. There were no differences between participants aged <21 years and participants aged ≥21 years from hookah bars in terms of intention to consume alcohol at their next location. This study indicates that hookah bar patrons often combine hookah smoking with alcohol consumption. Many hookah bar patrons in both age groups reported the intention to consume alcohol after attending a hookah bar. Future research should further examine the relationship between alcohol and hookah use, as this study indicates the co-use of hookah and alcohol within a short time frame.