Belfast Cafe Fined Over £1200 for Indoor Shisha Smoking Violation

Local residents are reminded of the importance of smoke-free laws following a recent court case involving a Lisburn Road cafe. Lova Coffee, located at 133 Lisburn Road, faced significant penalties at Belfast Magistrates Court on 5 May 2026, after being found in breach of The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. The owners, Mayar Coffee Limited, pleaded guilty to failing to prevent people from smoking shisha within their premises, resulting in a total fine of £1100 plus £128 in costs, making the total penalty £1228.

Shisha, a form of flavoured tobacco heated by charcoal and smoked through a water pipe, is fully covered by current smoking legislation. While popular, it is only permitted in genuinely open-air areas, or in structures where at least 50% is permanently open to the outside. Enclosed or substantially enclosed spaces, like the café in question, are strictly off-limits for shisha smoking, just as they are for cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The prosecution followed a series of visits by Tobacco Control Officers. On four separate occasions, officers observed individuals smoking shisha inside the café's enclosed premises, leading to the enforcement action. This proactive approach underscores the commitment to ensuring all businesses comply with health and safety regulations designed for public benefit.

A spokesperson highlighted that the 2006 legislation was specifically introduced to safeguard both workers and the general public from the dangers of second-hand smoke exposure. Our Tobacco Control Officers work diligently across the city, aiming to support local businesses in adopting best practices and adhering to the law. However, they will not hesitate to take firm action against illegal practices that put people's health at risk.

These ongoing efforts to reduce smoking and the hazards of second-hand smoke are a key component of the wider vision for Belfast, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all residents by 2035. Our community's health is a priority, and initiatives like this contribute significantly to creating a healthier environment for everyone in Belfast. This important work is also supported by the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.