Earlier this month, a judge found a business in Barking guilty for allowing its customers to smoke Shisha inside the premises.



On Thursday 5 August 2021, Barking and Dagenham Council enforcement officers were on patrol and visited Kaya Studio Lounge as part of their rounds and as they entered the business, it was evident people were smoking Shisha inside.



As well as an array of burning hot coals, the air was thick with smoke and music was being played.



This was a clear breach of the Health Act 2006, where the premises should be smoke free.



The owner of the business, located on River Road, Barking, was contacted on 25 September 2021 to let them know what had happened and that the case will be going to court.



The case was heard at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Saturday 4 June and despite the defendant not attending, they were found guilty and were ordered to pay within 28 days a fine of £1,800, costs to Barking and Dagenham Council of £636.50 and a Victim Surcharge of £180, totalling £2,616.50.



Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “It has been illegal to smoke indoors since July 2007 and this business has completely disregarded the rules put in place.



“Smoking is not only harmful to people’s health, but smoking Shisha over hot coals inside a covered building is also worrying fire hazard.”