Pasha took over what used to be The Mill

A Preston shisha bar has been fined for not sticking to anti-smoking laws.

Pasha, on Aqueduct Street, was raided by city council officers and fire safety officers in December 2012.

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Officers found 50 people sharing the smoking of shisha pipes and the air, in the fully enclosed premises which used to be home to The Mill nightclub, thick with smoke.

Preston City Council said the owning company, Preston Cafe Ltd, had ignored previous warnings about the level of smoke in the premises.

At Preston Magistrates court on July 19 the company pleaded guilty to failing to prevent persons smoking in a smokefree place and failing to make sure no-smoking signs were displayed.

They were fined £500 for each offence, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £50 and costs of £185.

Councillor John Swindells, Cabinet member for planning and regulation, said “We will always try to advise businesses in the first instance, but if they do not listen we are left with no alternative but to take legal action.

“This is another good example of the council working with partners across the city to ensure a safer environment for the people of Preston.”

Pasha is part of a growing national chain of shisha bars, which started in Preston. It currently operates until 2am on Friday and Saturday evenings and 1am the rest of the week.

Do you visit shisha bars? What do you think about the fine? Let us know in the comments below