Harrow Sheesha cafe fined for breaching smoking ban (From Harrow Times)

Harrow Sheesha cafe fined for breaching smoking ban

2:25pm Thursday 2nd July 2009

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THE smoking ban needs to be updated to protect the “authentic Sheesha experience,” according to the council.

Sahara Lounge was recently fined £200 because a section of seating outside the front of the restaurant, in Stanmore Hill, was too enclosed.

Another cafe was also rapped, but settled with Harrow Council out of court, and Councillor Susan Hall, responsible for environment services, is now saying the law needs to be more clear about what business owners can get away with.

She 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.”

Many Sheesha bars across the capital were hit hard when the smoking ban was brought in and, while some were forced to close, others have struggled to find ways to keep going.

Traditional Sheesha cafes often involve low ceilings and cushions arranged on the floor to make sitting more comfortable.

But council officers say that as cafe owners try to replicate the authentic surroundings outside they slipping over the line between what is legally considered indoors.

If an outdoor smoking shelter has a roof it must be 50 per cent enclosed.

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