Call for Licensing Regime for Shisha Premises

The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling for greater regulation of shisha premises.

In a policy paper, which can be accessed here, they ask the Government to:

1. Bring shisha premises within existing tobacco control strategies; and
2. Introduce a shisha licensing regime through either the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, or the Licensing Act 2003.

The LGA say that councils currently lack the tools to regulate shisha premises and to take enforcement action where necessary. A new licensing regime would allow councils to grant or refuse licences for new shisha premises and to suspend or revoke licences where misuse occurs.

The LGA is also calling for:

• An increase in the level of fines for indoor shisha-smoking and for these to be levied against businesses and not just customers. Current levels are not sufficient as a deterrent. 
• A ban on flavoured shisha tobacco, as is currently the case with regular tobacco products.
• Mandatory labelling of health warnings on shisha products, including smoking paraphernalia 
• Mandatory warning signs that tobacco must not be sold to under 18s on every shisha bar table.

Councillor Heather Kidd, Chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:

“It is not right that a venue requires a licence to serve a hot drink after 11pm but not for smoking shisha. Licensing shisha would also send a stronger and clearer health message around the potential dangers of shisha smoking, as there is a common misconception it is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes.”