Whether we're happy about it or not, everyone is aware that the smoking ban is in full force. And going down surprisingly well for the most part. The one downside of the ban is that it will unfortunately have an impact on some pubs and restaurants. Especially those without outside seating areas. But two weeks into the ban and it seems that some people aren't too happy with this. They think that for some reason unknown to Londonist, they should be exempt.
Shisha restaurant workers in Camden are having a bit of a moan saying they will lose half their profits this summer from customers not being able to smoke shisha. However, bear in mind that the Marrakech restaurant in The Stables does have outside seating so there is still the option to smoke outside. Yes, it's annoying and it'll be even worse when it's pouring with rain but everyone else is putting up with it. What makes this restaurant so special?
Camden Gazette reported Naz Mardine saying "We would prefer people to still be allowed to smoke shisha inside. They should allow a special space with ventilation for it. Some people don't like the smell of cigarettes but shisha is different."
Londonist decided to do a little bit of digging and we found out that actually, shisha is not different to smoking. One source tells us that one 80 minute shisha session can be as bad as smoking 100 cigarettes. So no health risk there then.
If smell is the issue, why not give smokers apple flavoured fags and let them back indoors?
photo from simonkoleznik's flickr stream.
