Shisha lounge in city falls foul of smoking legislation

An operator of a Shisha lounge in Peterborough has been fined for failing to stop customers smoking in a shelter too enclosed for such an activity.

Abdul Raymond ( 34), manager of Arabian Nights, in Lincoln Road, pleaded guilty to committing the offence on November 30 when he appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

The court was told Raymond had been advised that the shelter at the back of the premises used to smoke Shisha pipes was not compliant with the Health Act 2006 as more than 50 per cent of it was enclosed.

City council officers advised Raymond and allowed him a period of time to make the necessary changes.

After no progress was made to make the required changes, a formal written warning was issued on November 21, advising him that until structural alterations were made to the shelter, it could not be used for smoking or the use of Shisha pipes.

During an unannounced visit on November 30, there were several people smoking and using Shisha pipes in the shelter that had been permitted access to the premises by Raymond.

Raymond, a father- offive, was fined £100, ordered to pay £100 towards prosecution costs and a £ 20 victim surcharge.

Raymond told the court he thought the shelter had been compliant with the regulations.

Following the case, Councillor Peter Hiller, cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and planning at thecity council, said: “Smoking is not permitted indoors in public places in order to protect people from the adverse health effects of second hand smoke.”

He added: “This sends out a clear message that Shisha bars must comply with the requirements and operate within the law.”