‘Death trap’ shisha bar ignored safety orders

A ROYTON man has been jailed for his part in running a “death trap” shisha bar in Hulme which breached fire safety regulations.

Manchester Crown Court heard how Oasis Lounge in Great Jackson Street had no working smoke alarm and was full of cardboard boxes, rubbish bags and even barrels of diesel.

Bar managers received several warnings from the fire service but tore down prohibition notices and continued to invite customers in. Shutters were even closed over the front door to keep out fire inspectors who had warned management not to trade until safety requirements had been met.

The business continued to allow up to 500 customers a time in the building — charging them £15 each.

Ishtiaq Ahmed (37), of Chapel Way Gardens, Royton, was jailed for 34 weeks and must pay £3,500 costs after admitting fire-safety breaches.

Adeel Bhatti (27), also of Chapel Way Gardens, Royton was given 80 hours of unpaid work, a curfew, and must pay £1,500 in costs after pleading guilty to the same offences.

Manager Wali Yaqub (36), of Mauldeth Road, Burnage, was found guilty in his absence earier this year of fire safety breaches dating back to December and January 2013. He claimed he hadn’t appeared because he had been diagnosed with Ebola after a visit to Pakistan - a claim proved later to be bogus. He was sentenced to 19 months in prison.

Other defendants were variously sentenced to jail and community service plus fines and costs