An Ilford shisha cafe owner has been made to pay more than £2,000 for operating illegally
Altim Mula of Oko Shisha Lounge was prosecuted by Redbridge Council as part of a crackdown on rogue operators.
The owner pleaded guilty to allowing people to smoke within a substantially enclosed space at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on March 29.
He was fined £1,000 and made to may costs of £1,000 and victim surcharge of £100.
Councillor Jas Athwal, council leader warned there are “very clear and strict rules” in place to protect people from the dangers of smoking in public places.
“We will not allow shisha bars to flout the law,” he said.
“Our message is clear: we will continue to crack down on offenders and target shisha bars that allow smoking indoors with tough action.”
Shisha, or water pipes, are used to smoke mainly flavoured or non-flavoured tobacco or herbal mixtures.
Under the Health Act 2006, smoking tobacco or anything containing tobacco, or smoking any other substance, in enclosed or substantially enclosed premises, is an offence.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here