01/07/2009 - Hookah trend hit by smoking ban
A council has called for the smoking ban to be updated in light of a growing trend for hookah bars.
The traditional style of a hookah or sheesha bar, popular across London with both Middle Eastern customers and a young crowd, is to have a low roof and scatter cushions to create an inviting atmosphere for smoking the herbal tobacco mix.
But this decor can block ventilation and lead to conflicts with current smoking regulations. The law on outdoor smoking shelters means that if there is a roof, the shelter's sides should be at least 50% open, so air can circulate.
One sheesha cafe in the London borough of Harrow was forced to pay a £200 fixed fine, while another settled out of court over breaches of the smoking ban rules.
Harrow councillor Susan Hall, portfolio holder for the environment, said: "These cafes are becoming increasingly popular across London, but the legislation on smoking in public places wasn't framed with them in mind.
"It needs to be updated so all councils have clear guidance on what these cafe fittings should look like. We can then balance the right of customers to sit and enjoy the authentic sheesha experience while continuing to deliver clean and safe streets."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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