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Two Leeds shisha bar owners fined thousands for pollution

Managers of two Leeds shisha bars have been prosecuted for failing to comply with the smoke free legislation.

Mohammed Ali, from Arabyia and Suliman Ahmed from Al Qasa, both on Cross Stamford Street, failed to appear before Leeds Magistrates yesterday and the cases were tried in their absence.

Both were found guilty of allowing shisha to be smoked in an enclosed public space, made illegal by the Health Act 2005. Ali was fined £1,000, ordered to pay £1,192.50 in costs and a £100 victim surcharge, while a fine of £1,500, costs totalling £1,144 and a victim surcharge of £100 must be paid by Ahmed.

Both shisha bars had received letters in the past relating to smoking indoors, and in October 2013 Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) visited both premises to provide advice on the smoke free legislation and how to comply with the law.

The businesses were warned that follow up visits would be made, and if smoking was taking place inside, further action would be taken.

Shisha smoking involves inhaling smoke from flavoured tobaccos through a waterpipe and despite misconceptions, shisha cafés are subject to the smoking ban.

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for the environment said: “We are responsible for enforcing the smoking ban and this applies to shisha bars too.

“Many people simply aren’t aware of the harm shisha can cause. Many believe the myth that it’s a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes but that’s simply not true. Smoking shisha poses serious health risks.

“Thanks to the combined efforts of our staff and partners, we can help to educate people about the harm it can cause and, and work with businesses to assist them in complying with the law.

“Where our attempts to work with businesses fail, and they continue to operate outside the law we will have no hesitation in taking further action.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .