Successful Shisha prosecution

Blackburn with Darwen Council have prosecuted a man running a Shisha lounge who routinely allowed the smoking of Shisha Pipes inside.

Mohammed Suleman, the tenant of Silver Cloud on Regent Street in Blackburn, pleaded not guilty to contravening the smoking ban in enclosed public places under the Health Act 2006 at Blackburn Magistrates court but was convicted on Wednesday 23 April 2014. The defendant received a 2 year Conditional discharge plus £15 victim surcharge.

Council and Police officers visited the premises on 1 February 2013 and found a number of people smoking shisha pipes inside enclosed areas of the building.

The premises did not have planning consent for use as a shisha lounge and has since closed following an enforcement notice served on the premises by the Council in January 2013.

Tony Watson, Head of Environment and Public Protection said: “The Council and the Police are continuing to work with shisha businesses to provide advice and support in complying with the law.

“However, where businesses fail to comply with the law, enforcement will continue to be taken. As with other forms of smoking, there’s a danger to people’s health from being exposed to smoke from a shisha pipe.”

Police Sergeant 2311 Nick Everett, Blackburn Town Centre Policing Sergeant said “Blackburn Police Officers work very closely with partner agencies, and the number of shisha premises in the area continues to reduce by means of engagement, education and enforcement.”

“The multi-agency approach that has been adopted includes numerous partners, who all have a vested interest in these premises, and Blackburn’s Policing teams remained committed to addressing the issues associated with these premises.”