A SHISHA lounge that flouted smoke-free regulations has been slammed with a hefty £8,500 fine following its conviction for multiple violations.
Leicester City Council’s environmental health officers launched investigations into Amoura Lounge, a two-story venue located at 25 Royal East Street, Leicester, which combines dining with shisha smoking. These visits took place in April and June of last year as part of an effort to ensure strict adherence to smoke-free laws.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Under the law, establishments must be at least 50% open to the air to allow smoking. However, inspectors found that Amoura Lounge failed to meet this requirement, yet they witnessed groups smoking inside both times they visited.
Despite the clear breach, officers left reports instructing staff to immediately cease smoking unless the premises could be made less than 50% enclosed. The lounge was also handed an improvement notice, demanding that it submit a health and safety risk assessment by May 22, 2024—a deadline that came and went without compliance.
On February 5th, representatives from Amoura Lounge appeared in court. The Leicester magistrates didn’t hold back, imposing a £2,500 fine on the business, a £1,000 victim surcharge, and a £5,000 cost contribution.
Rachel Hall, Head of Regulatory Services at Leicester City Council, stated: “Smoke-free legislation exists to protect the public and workers from the deadly dangers of second-hand smoke, a proven cause of serious diseases like cancer. Businesses must comply with health and safety laws, which exist to safeguard everyone’s well-being.
“The message is unequivocal: shisha café owners in Leicester must operate within the law, or face rigorous enforcement actions. We will not hesitate to protect employees and customers by holding businesses accountable.”
