Revealed: Redbridge has fourth highest number of shisha bars in London

Redbridge has the fourth highest number of shisha bars in the capital, it has been revealed.

Data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by advocacy group It’s Still Tobacco reveals the borough to have an estimated 20 shisha bars in operation this year.

This is marked increase from 2007, where there were no shisha bars whatsoever.

Since 2007, 63pc of prosecutions for flouting smoke-free laws have been against shisha cafes among the 99 local authorities in England where these cafes are present, according to the group.

The advocacy group are calling for shisha bars to be licensed like pubs and gambling venues.

David Hunt, lead officer for Illicit Tobacco and Alcohol for London Trading Standards, said: “All tobacco is hazardous to health and shisha premises which are not complying with the smoke free legislation, often cause other risks to customers and staff from associated dangers from the smoking and second hand smoke.”