Coffee shop closed for serving sheesha

Manama : A traditional coffee shop in the Capital Governorate was recently closed-down by the authorities for illegally serving sheesha (hookah), DT News has learnt.

Confirming the incident, Health Ministry said in a statement that “the decision to shut the coffee shop followed several warnings given” and that the case has been
referred to the Public Prosecution.

Acting Supervisor of the Ant-Smoking Group in the Public Health Directorate Hussain Al Rayes said several violations were detected at the coffee shop.

“Health violations were detected at the coffee shop, such as serving sheesha without permission, not allocating a no-smoking area and building a room using flammable materials (wood) to prepare the sheesha,” Al Rayes revealed.

 “The manager of the coffee shop was warned before, but the ministry’s notes were disregarded. The matter was referred to the directorate which ordered to close the coffee shop and refer it to the Public Prosecution. The shop was sealed as per Article 77 of Law 3 of 1975 with regards to public health,” he explained further.

The official said the coffee shop manager was summoned to the directorate, where his statements were documented. 

Al Rayes added that as per Article 10 of Law 8 of 2009 sheesha can only be served in coffee shops after obtaining the necessary permits from Health Ministry and the other authorities.