THE MANAGER of a Bolton Shisha cafe has been fined for letting customers smoke indoors.

Mohammed Bux, manager of Xhale, The Bunker on Gilnow Lane received a fine of £800 and was ordered to pay £1028 in legal costs and an £80 victim surcharge after pleading guilty to failing to stop people from smoking inside the premises.

This is in breach of the Health Act 2006, which says a commercial building must be at least 51 per cent open for people to be allowed to smoke inside.

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough said, “Smoking indoors is illegal, whether it is cigarettes or shisha.

“A business must be at least 51 per cent open when allowing smoking, this does not include windows, doors or any other openings.

"For example, at least two sides of a marquee must be always fully open.

“Often with lit charcoal in an enclosed area, there can be a build-up of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas that can kill people.

“We will not hesitate in taking action against individuals who run these premises and do not adhere to the law.

"You are putting lives at risk, and you will be prosecuted.”

Bux, of Beaconsfield Street, Bolton, was brought to court after a joint operation between Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service on January 16, 2020.

Officers from the councils’ trading standards team also investigated Xhale, The Bunker on Gilnow Lane, Bolton.

Upon entry, they found 22 people sat smoking shisha using lit charcoal in a room with all the shutters down and no ventilation.

Shortly after the officers arrived, Bux arrived at the premises and confirmed himself as the manager.

He originally denied the offence but pleaded guilty at Magistrates Court on Monday November 2 to one count of breaching the Health Act 2006 by failing to stop people from smoking inside the premises

Despite investigation, officers have not been able to trace the owner of the business.