The case was heard at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court last month (Credit: Google Maps)
Moroccan Gardens, in Belgrave Road, was caught allowing people to smoke in a substantially enclosed area.
Redbridge Council officers carried out two surprise inspections and found they were in breach of anti-smoking legislation both times.
Boss Amer Ayub and venue manager Raja Khan were both found guilty of the breaches at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 23 November.
They were ordered to pay £12,873 in total, the largest fine of its kind ever in Redbridge.
Moroccan Gardens is the twelfth shisha lounge to have been prosecuted for operating illegally in Redbridge since 2019.
Councillor Khayer Chowdhury said: “This prosecution sends out a very clear message that operating an illegal shisha venue will not be tolerated and we will take tough action against any business breaking the law or breaching the regulations.
“There are very clear and strict rules in place to protect people from the dangers associated with smoking – it was clear in this case that the owner of the lounge decided to ignore the legal requirements placed upon them.
“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”.
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.
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Tags: Business, Redbridge, Ilford, Redbridge Council
