A shisha bar boss and manager have been slapped with fines totalling over £10,000 for allowing customers to smoke inside.

Akash Patel, owner of All Starz Shisha Lounge, on Goodmayes Road, and venue manager Sonia Hamid, were hit with hefty fines after being found allowing people to smoke illegally inside the premises.

Shisha smoking is covered by the UK smoking ban, meaning it is illegal to smoke the pipes inside cafes and bars or enclosed spaces.

Council enforcement officers discovered the breaches of anti-smoking legislation during unannounced visits earlier this year.

On Friday, October 25, at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, Patel, of Goodmayes Road, Ilford, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £840 plus a victim surcharge of £170.

Hamid, of Howards Road, Plaistow, was fined £3,000 in conjunction with costs of £840 and a victim surcharge of £100.

Shisha, or water pipes, are used to smoke mainly flavoured or non-flavoured tobacco or herbal mixtures.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Shisha 'hookahs'. Photo: Pixabay

Under the Health Act 2006, smoking tobacco or anything containing tobacco, or smoking any other substance, in enclosed or substantially enclosed premises, is an offence.

Cllr Bob Littlewood, cabinet member for crime, safety and community cohesion, said: “Our message is very clear, operating illegal shisha venues will not be tolerated and we will take tough action against any business breaking the law or breaching the regulations.

“It is illegal to smoke in enclosed premises used by the public, and in this case both the owner and manager of the venue decided to ignore the legal requirements placed upon them to their detriment.

“It is essential to protect the public from the harmful effects of smoke and we will continue to work hard to enforce the legislation throughout the borough.”