Second prosecution for rogue shisha lounge

A shisha business in Ilford has been prosecuted for a second time as part of a Redbridge Council crackdown on shisha venues that flout the law.

The Secret Garden in Ilford High Road was ordered to pay more than £5,500 in fines at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court.

A number of customers were found smoking Shisha pipes inside the premises during enforcement visits on 31 October 2020 and 4 December 2020 – contrary to health legislation banning smoking in enclosed premises.

The visits followed an initial offence for allowing smoking of Shisha pipes inside the premises in March 2019.

Ahmed Shuel, director of Secret Garden was ordered to pay £3,671.00 and his manager Zak Khan £880.00 after both were found guilty of allowing customers to smoke Shisha in an enclosed public place at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 17 August.
Venue operator Secret Garden was also ordered to pay £1,100.00.

Cllr Khayer Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Crime, Safety and Community Cohesion, said:

“This prosecution sends out a very clear message that operating an illegal shisha venue will not be tolerated and we will take tough action against any business breaking the law or breaching the regulations. 

“There are very clear and strict rules in place to protect people from the dangers associated with smoking in public places - it was clear in this case that the owner of the lounge decided to ignore the legal requirements placed upon them. 

“It is essential to protect the public from the harmful effects of smoke and we will continue to work hard to enforce the legislation throughout the borough"

The case was brought after enforcement officers discovered breaches of anti-smoking legislation during unannounced visits in October and December 2020.

Shisha, or water pipes, are used to smoke mainly flavoured or non-flavoured tobacco or herbal mixtures.

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.

• Ahmed Shuel, director of Secret Garden was ordered to pay £3,671.00. A fine of £900.00 for each offence – along with costs of £1,691.00 and a victim surcharge of £180.00.
• Secret Garden the company was ordered to pay £1,100.00 (£500.00 for each offence and £100.00 victim surcharge).
• Zak Khan, manager of the premises was ordered to pay £880.00 (£400.00 for each offence and £80.00 victim surcharge).