Lahore to shut marriage halls without suction hoods

The decision has been taken to control smoke, grease-laden fumes and other pollutants generated by commercial kitchens, particularly during large-scale cooking and barbecue activities at marriage halls., marriage halls had already been directed to install suction hoods to control kitchen emissions, while January 31, 2026, was set as the deadline for compliance.

With the deadline having passed, officials said no further relaxation would be granted to establishments that have failed to meet the environmental requirements. Punjab EPA Director General Abdullah Niar Sheikh has directed field officers to intensify inspections of marriage halls across the province and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The department has clarified that merely installing a suction hood will not be sufficient. The equipment must be properly installed, functional and capable of effectively controlling kitchen emissions. Marriage halls found using ineffective, non-functional or inadequate suction systems will also face action.

The environmental authority has instructed field teams to conduct physical inspections rather than limiting checks to documentation. Officials will verify whether suction hoods are installed at the required locations and whether they are functioning effectively during operations.

The crackdown follows similar enforcement action against restaurants., more than 500 restaurants have so far been sealed for failing to install the required suction hood systems. Authorities said the action against restaurants demonstrates a shift from warnings and compliance notices towards direct enforcement of environmental regulations.

Why suction hoods are required. Commercial kitchens can produce significant quantities of smoke, grease vapours, heat and particulate emissions, particularly when large volumes of food are prepared. Barbecue and high-temperature cooking can generate additional smoke and airborne pollutants.

Effective extraction systems help capture and remove these emissions before they are released into the surrounding environment. Authorities say inadequate ventilation and ineffective extraction systems can contribute to local air pollution, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

The Punjab EPA has therefore made functional suction hoods an important environmental requirement for commercial kitchens operating within marriage halls, banquet facilities and marquees. The environmental authority has warned marriage hall owners and managements that the expiry of the compliance deadline will not be treated as a justification for continued non-compliance.

Officials have been instructed to take legal action against establishments found violating the applicable environmental requirements. Depending on the nature of the violation, action may include closure, sealing of the premises and financial penalties.

The crackdown forms part of wider pre-smog environmental enforcement measures in Punjab., monitoring is also being intensified against other major sources of air pollution, including industrial units, brick kilns, restaurants, commercial kitchens and vehicles emitting excessive smoke. The EPA has directed field teams to maintain close monitoring of pollution sources and take action where environmental regulations are violated.

The latest decision means marriage halls across Punjab will be required to ensure that their kitchen extraction systems meet the prescribed requirements before continuing operations.