New licensing rules needed to regulate shisha bars, councils say
A new licensing regime is needed to crack down on shisha bars that breach smoking laws and are linked to anti-social behaviour, the Local Government Association has said.
The proposed new regime would allow councils to grant or refuse licenses for new shisha premises, revoke or suspend licenses, and add conditions to licenses to improve safety.
Currently, shisha bars do not require a licence or registration unless they serve alcohol, have other regulated entertainment or serve food between 11pm and 5am.
However, the LGA has said licenses should be required as there have been incidents at shisha premises of allowing smoking indoors, flouting fire safety and selling illicit shisha.
The LGA also raised concerns over the health impacts of shisha smoking, noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour.
The LGA is also calling for:
- An increase in the level of fines for indoor shisha-smoking and for these to be levied against businesses and not just customers. Current levels are not sufficient as a deterrent, it claimed.
- A ban on flavoured shisha tobacco, as is currently the case with regular tobacco products.
- Mandatory labelling of health warnings on shisha products, including smoking paraphernalia.
- Mandatory warning signs that tobacco must not be sold to under 18s on every shisha bar table.
Cllr Heather Kidd, Chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “It is not right that a venue requires a licence to serve a hot drink after 11pm but not for smoking shisha. Licensing shisha would also send a stronger and clearer health message around the potential dangers of shisha smoking, as there is a common misconception it is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes.
“Shisha also needs to be brought within scope of existing tobacco control strategies to ensure consistency.
“A new regulatory regime would enable councils to work with shisha businesses to ensure they operate safely and lawfully.”
Adam Carey
