'Some shisha cafes dodge rules'

Dubai: Owners of some shisha cafes are trying hard not to comply with the specifications and regulations outlined by the civic body to run these outlets, said Hussain Lootah, director of Dubai Municipality on Wednesday.

"This is matter of public health and those shisha operators who are trying to dodge the regulations should understand that they don't have a choice. They will have to comply in the end," said Lootah.

In 2007, the municipality required shisha cafes to bring in certain adjustments to their design that involves ventilation and operations. A year's grace period was granted and the deadline was extended until December 31, 2008.

Shisha cafes smaller than 1,500 square feet are required to move to bigger premises by the year-end, and smoking outside cafes in residential areas has also been banned. Smoking shisha is banned in parks, beaches and other recreational areas in the city. Similarly, smoking was also regulated in cafes and restaurants.

Hotels who offer shisha in tents now need to obtain an approval or a permit from the Public Health Department at Dubai Municipality, providing the trade licence of the establishment, layout of the proposed smoking area and a plan of the ventilation and air-conditioning system.

The move is part of the municipality's efforts to implement a smoking regulation programme in public places in Dubai, and stems from its keenness to protect public health and improve life quality for residents in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015.

The decision also complies with the decision of the Dubai Executive Council to launch a programme to regulate smoking in public areas and the directions of Lootah.

"But majority of the shisha outlets are calling us and taking down the specifications that are required. Let me make it clear that we are not banning everything but our intention is to control it," said Lootah.

As a signatory to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), the UAE brought the tobacco control law in effect earlier this year.

"We have evaluated all residential areas to check violators, we have come across some outlets who are not following the norms but by the end of this year they have to fall in line," said Lootah.

Do you agree with the regulations? Should shisha cafes be removed from residential areas? Should smoking shisha be completely banned in the UAE?

Some of residential areas have to be banned from shisha, like Ajman, people there can't breath well or even sleep well, because of the noise and the smell, and it's 24/7, which is really bad, for the people there. I hope there will be a solution for that...
Mohammad Zahran
Duabi,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 15:58

Comment on Rami Jamal. Residential means there are families. This means some have children.Shisha is same like smoking and smoking is bad for health especially children. We are in the city but, we have areas for such kind of bisuness. Now hopefully you understand why?
Maya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 14:14

Smoking shisha must not be totally banned in the UAE. The number of shisha cafes in residential areas must be reduced though. Smoking is a voluntary choice but the person enjoying a smoke must adhere to rules and not cause harm to other people's health. The civic body has taken the right step in implementing specifications and regulations on shisha cafes. Violators could be fined heavily if they do not comply.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 12:52

I had in fact written a article on the shisha joints, but I did not get a proper response from the concerend authorities, I kindly request them to take this matter seriously as the people sitting in the cafe outside can literaly look through my house and my bathroom smells of smoke, i have a young daughter, who can help? I ahve recently shifted to the new premises.
Usha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 12:25

I'm glad at least the authorities are taking necessary steps. I wish it will be a rule in Abu Dhabi too because in residential areas, they start the shisha club on ground floor, and most of the men sit outside and pollute the air. Specifically people who are allergic to smoke and dust suffer because of such problems. We have two shisha club at neighbouring buildings. After two buildings we see another one. So you can imagine how polluted the air is. Dar At Al-Miya is full of shisha clubs. Please do something about it.
Jolly Varghese
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 11:43

I am completely against the ban of shisha. Everybody has a right for their freedom and enjoyment. Shisha must not be banned but yes must be brought up under regulations. i am a passive shisha smoker and definitely enjoy to be with friends on such places
Maitha Al Beloushi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 11:14

Shisha cafes should not be banned but must be controlled under prescribed rules
Tarek Jaafar
Fujairah,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 10:51

Thanks to the authorities for applying smoking regulations so strictly.
Volkan Sahinkaya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 10:12

There are a lot of shisha cafes in backlanes of Khalidiya. Most of the customers are from other areas who bring one huge car each and shamelessly come earlier than the residents come home from their jobs and take up all the availble parking. on top of that they create a second and third line effectively converting our lanes into one way streets.If a resident needs to remove ones car, you have to call the police to call the shisha customers to remove their cars. It is a shame that so many shisha cafes are allowed in one residential area. I wish these were shifted to the neighbourhoods of their customers.
Mahesh Butani
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 09:59

Not actually to completely ban it, but to remove from certain residential areas. I do not smoke Shisha, but this idea will help every one to stay healthy.
Maria
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 09:56

YES! I do agree but they have to regulate this ruling and shisha operators should comply with no excemption. I wonder why they still give special treatment to some shisha operators especially the one in SATWA OPPOSITE THE 365 RESTAURANT. They are operating shisha outdoor which is very hazardous to passersby and residents.
Loi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 09:45

there is nothing wrong with shishas. I think pollution from unfit cars on the road and general rubbish on residential roads should be higher on the agenda.
Jamil
UK,UK
Posted: May 07, 2009, 09:43

I am extremely happy to see such ruling will be enforced but must be enforced by disciplinary actions. Also, Mr. ash blower needs to blow the ash in different areas other than my face!If the municipality needs my help to check and inform, I will be more than happy to be part of this movements.Happy cleaner lungs
Sam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 09:38

We agree the cafe's should be regulated in Residential areas, to allow clean breath of air and a peaceful sleep to residents. We at International City are a victim of this problem (Liali Al Qaherah Cafetaria) , and cannot allow our infants or children to breathe the outside air after 7pm. Moreover the chattering and loud laughter disturbs our sleep untill the wee hours of the morning. Not that the residents have not taken action, to at least limit the smoking inside the premises, but complaints to all the necessary authorities seem to be in vain. The smokers continue to spill outside the cafe's premises, since the cafe is overcrowded and continue their smoking and loud chattering and laughter.
Alwyn
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 09:30

I have gave several complains to dxb muncipality with regards to this Sisha where these guys sitting all night next to my bedroom window and chatting with loud noise. Till now nothing has been done.
XF
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 08:41

There are several such shops in Abu Dhabi which are located in residential areas. Because of such shops we are unable to walk near our building entrance and we cannot send our children to play outside, either. Please put this up in the paper so that it comes into notice with the authorities.
Lini
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 08:25

In Ajman Just behind Al Safeer centre there is a newly opened Shisha cafe in residential building all families staying in same building and all surrounding Buildings. Residential Building they have small shop and they accomodated out side the Building and smoke comes very heavily.need somebody to take immediate action on it.
Choudhary Mohammad
Ajman,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 08:23

I agree with the regulations. Shisha in residential areas should be removed for public safety
Milette Manalaysay
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 08:17

I dont understand why, shisha should be banned from residential areas. Ok, I do understand not to have it in areas like springs, Jumeirah or other villa like areas.But I dont see where is the problem around high rise towers outside, as we are living in a city.
Rami Jamal
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 07, 2009, 01:31