Joint Operation Highlights Law Around Shisha Cafes & Bars

Friday, 1 April 2016 08:51

A joint operation at a Shisha bar in Huddersfield targeting the illegal smoking of tobacco inside the premises has resulted in tobacco being seized and a number of people being issued with fixed penalty notices.

West Yorkshire Police, Environmental Health at Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Trading Standards attended the Arabian Lounge on Zetland Street, Huddersfield twice last week.

Fixed penalty notices were issued to seven customers for smoking tobacco inside the premises, disregarding several large notices on display warning that it is an offence. The cafe has an outdoor smoking balcony which is the only place that customers are permitted to smoke tobacco.

The Trading Standards team also seized all the tobacco on the premises on suspicion of it either being counterfeit or non-duty paid.

In 2007 it became illegal to smoke in enclosed premises, used by more than one person for work, or premises open to the public. Shisha bars are included within the law and it is illegal to smoke inside a Shisha bar. People can only smoke in a smoking shelter, where 50 per cent of the walls are open.

It is also against the law to be in possession of lit tobacco, or anything lit, if it contains tobacco, or to be in possession of any other lit substance in a form in which it could be smoked.

PC Scott Gardner, Huddersfield town centre ward officer, said: "We are looking to raise the awareness of users of these types of cafes and bars. People need to understand that breaches of this law will be enforced, not only against the premises owners but also their customers who have joint responsibility. Fixed penalty notices and/or enforcement action will be taken against all offenders."

Inspector Jon Dunkerley added: "This is an example of how my officers are working closely with partners acting on intelligence from our communities. Huddersfield Partnership Working area has 10 designated named ward officers supported by allocated PCSOs working within its seven wards as well as those officers working 24/7.

"If you have any information on any crime then call police via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or if you would like to speak to one of the ward officers please contact us via huddersfield@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk."

Nicky Hoyle, Consultant in Public Health for the Council, said "Shisha pipes are associated with many of the same serious health risks as cigarette smoking and may incur some unique health risks too. A common misconception is that smoking shisha is less harmful than smoking cigarettes and some shisha users do not realise they are smoking tobacco. The water bubbling and cooling process does not remove the toxins from the shisha product. There are many toxic chemicals in shisha tobacco smoke which can cause various types of cancer and other short and long term health effects similar to smoking cigarettes. These include substantially increased heart rate in the short term, and it more than doubles the risk of lung cancer, respiratory illness, low birthweight and gum disease.

"It is also possible to pass infections through sharing mouthpieces. The amount of nicotine, tar and other chemicals in shisha can vary significantly but due to the frequency and duration of use it is possible to inhale far more toxins when compared to a single cigarette. Using shisha can be extremely harmful and the second hand smoke from shisha use is particularly harmful for pregnant women and children."

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