William Eichler 25 March 2024

Council chiefs call for powers to tackle rogue shisha bars

Council chiefs call for powers to tackle rogue shisha bars   image
Image: alexkoral / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority leaders have called for more powers to crack down on rogue shisha bars.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called on the Government to introduce a new licensing regime for shisha premises.

Councils should have the powers to grant or refuse licences for new shisha premises, revoke or suspend licences, and add conditions to licences to improve safety, the LGA says.

The LGA’s call follows reports of shisha bars allowing smoking indoors, flouting fire safety and selling illicit shisha.

In Leicester, trading standards teams recently found that shisha tobacco was being sold without UK duty paid in nine of 13 premises visited, equating to approximately £21,250 of duty not being paid.

Cllr Heather Kidd, chair of the LGA’s 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.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Youth Justice Practitioner

Wakefield Council
£35,412.00 - £38,220.00, Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Registered Short Break Home Manager

Wakefield Council
£57,770.00, Grade 13, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Wakefield Council's Children's Services for a Short Break Registered Manager. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Investigator

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
£43,543 to £ £52,062 per annum
For 50 years we have been the voice of the public. Coventry, West Midlands
Recuriter: Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman

Service Director - Skills and Regeneration

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
to £114,023
Kirklees is firmly focused on the future. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner