Three Ilford premises smoked out for operating illegally

Redbridge Council have successfully prosecuted three premises in Ilford for flouting smoking regulations and breaking the law. 

 Barkingside Magistrates' Court heard the cases on 7 June and 19 July. The three premises were slapped with fines totalling nearly £13,000.

 Case one:

Al Khayma Lounge Ltd, Cranbrook Road, Ilford, was ordered to pay £3,000 after people were found smoking inside the premises. A £1,000 fine was issued for each offence. 

 The lounge in Ilford was prosecuted as part of a council crackdown on non-compliant smoke-free venues flouting the law and operating illegally, with a total of £4,400 in the way of fines and costs.

 Sajid Khan, the owner of Al Khayma Lounge Ltd, was ordered to pay £200.00. Costs of £1,200 were awarded against the company Al Khayma Lounge Ltd.

 Case two:

Paprika Ventures Ltd, which operates Colony, High Road, Seven Kings, was ordered to pay £3,800 after people were found smoking inside the premises. A fine of £1,600.00 was issued for each offence.

 The lounge in Ilford was prosecuted as part of a council crackdown on non-compliant smoke-free venues flouting the law and operating illegally, with a total of £4,800 in the way of fines and costs. 

 Zeghum Afzal, the owner of Colony, was ordered to pay £400.00. Costs of £1,200 were awarded against the company Paprika Ventures Ltd

 Case three:

Miss Purnima Limbu, manager of My Yard, High Road, Ilford, was ordered to pay £2,000 after people were found smoking inside the premises. A fine of £1,000 was issued for each offence.

 The club in Ilford was prosecuted as part of a council crackdown on non-compliant smoke-free venues flouting the law and operating illegally, with a total of £3,500 in the way of fines and costs. Costs of £1,500 were awarded against the defendant. 

 Barkingside Magistrates' Court heard the three cases after Environmental Health Officers discovered breaches of smoke-free legislation during spot-check visits in late 2021.

 Cllr Khayer Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Crime, Safety and Community Cohesion, said: "These prosecutions send out a clear message that failing to operate a smoke-free venue will not be tolerated. And we will take tough and appropriate action against any business breaking the law or breaching the regulations.

 "There are clear and strict rules to protect people from the dangers associated with smoking in public places, yet these premises decided to ignore the legal requirements placed upon them. This is an expensive lesson for all three premises concerned and will hopefully serve as a reminder to anyone who thinks they can flagrantly break the law."

 Under the Health Act 2006, smoking tobacco or anything containing tobacco, or smoking any other substance, in enclosed or substantially enclosed premises is an offence.