Fines after illegal Shisha smoking at Oldham bar

The Council this is the second time the bar has been caught ignoring smoke-free laws

A shisha bar business and its manager has been successfully prosecuted for the second time after Environmental Health Officers found smoke-free laws were being ignored.

During a visit to Two Apples, Rochdale Road, Oldham in January it was found the manager was allowing people to smoke shisha pipes – despite the premises being smoke free.

Customers were openly smoking tobacco shisha pipes in an enclosed room.

The Health Act 2006 prohibits the smoking of lit shisha pipes in all public areas which are enclosed or substantially enclosed, unless 50 per cent of the wall space is open.  

Oldham Council has again successfully prosecuted Two Apples Café Limited and manager Mohammed Kayali, 50, of Rochdale Road, Oldham.

Neither Kayali, or a representative of the business, appeared when they were summoned to attend Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 17th April.

The case was heard in their absence and both were found guilty of one charge under the Health Act 2006.

Kayali was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170 plus costs of £825.

Two Apples Cafe Limited was also fined £3,000 with a victim surcharge of £170 and costs of £825.

Helen Lockwood, Deputy Chief Executive of Oldham Council, said: “We’d never encourage anyone to smoke as it can cause serious illness.

“However, any shisha bars in the borough must operate within the law and premises can expect regular visits.

“If they don’t comply then we will take action.

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