Shisha lounges in the capital have warned how they will be affected by the government’s new smoking ban.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill into the House of Commons last month.
If passed by Parliament, a generational ban will be introduced on tobacco products from 2027, meaning that that anyone who is currently 15 and under won’t be able to buy or use tobacco-based products like cigarettes.
Shisha industry warns of cost of implementing new ban
However, the impact on the shisha industry from this legislation is likely to be significant, with government figures estimating it is set to lose £14 million between 2027 and 2057 due to the measures.
Shisha is a form of smoking, breathing in heated and flavoured tobacco through a water pipe.
The government predicts it will cost £50,000 for each shisha lounge manager to train their staff in the new guidelines and nearly £2,000 to put up new signage in 2027.
If the ban is introduced, any venue found to not be adhering to the regulations will be subject to a £200 on the spot fine by authorities.
Fears of London shisha lounge over ban
City News visited a shisha lounge in Edgware Road in central London, and spoke to the duty manager to get her thoughts on the potential ban.
She said she was “concerned” for her business because, as a Muslim-run establishment, they don’t serve alcohol.
She continued: “Shisha doesn’t have the same anti-social behaviour issues compared to bars and clubs in the area, who let out hundreds of drunk people every weekend”.
Public ‘in favour of new smoking ban’
Last year, the Department of Health and Social Care ran a two month consultation across the UK on a generational smoking ban.
63.8% of respondents agreed that it should be introduced, 30.7% disagreed, and 5.5% were uncertain.
Cancer charities supported the move.
“We are delighted to see landmark legislation to create a smoke-free generation brought to Parliament. Smoking continues to have a devastating impact on our national health, taking thousands of lives across the UK each year”
HeadlineLondon shisha lounges fear for their future over new smoking ban
Short HeadlineLondon shisha lounges fear for their future over new smoking ban
StandfirstWhilst owners will be expected to pay over £2,000, health charities welcome an incremental smoking ban
Shisha lounges in the capital have warned how they will be affected by the government’s new smoking ban.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill into the House of Commons last month.
If passed by Parliament, a generational ban will be introduced on tobacco products from 2027, meaning that that anyone who is currently 15 and under won’t be able to buy or use tobacco-based products like cigarettes.
Shisha industry warns of cost of implementing new ban
However, the impact on the shisha industry from this legislation is likely to be significant, with government figures estimating it is set to lose £14 million between 2027 and 2057 due to the measures.
Shisha is a form of smoking, breathing in heated and flavoured tobacco through a water pipe.
The government predicts it will cost £50,000 for each shisha lounge manager to train their staff in the new guidelines and nearly £2,000 to put up new signage in 2027.
If the ban is introduced, any venue found to not be adhering to the regulations will be subject to a £200 on the spot fine by authorities.
Fears of London shisha lounge over ban
City News visited a shisha lounge in Edgware Road in central London, and spoke to the duty manager to get her thoughts on the potential ban.
She said she was “concerned” for her business because, as a Muslim-run establishment, they don’t serve alcohol.
She continued: “Shisha doesn’t have the same anti-social behaviour issues compared to bars and clubs in the area, who let out hundreds of drunk people every weekend”.
Public ‘in favour of new smoking ban’
Last year, the Department of Health and Social Care ran a two month consultation across the UK on a generational smoking ban.
63.8% of respondents agreed that it should be introduced, 30.7% disagreed, and 5.5% were uncertain.
Cancer charities supported the move.
“We are delighted to see landmark legislation to create a smoke-free generation brought to Parliament. Smoking continues to have a devastating impact on our national health, taking thousands of lives across the UK each year”
