How legal are shisha lounges in your county and how dou deal with your local low?

Greetings to all owners and managers of shisha lounges!

The topic of today’s discussion will be the work of hookah establishments in the legal field of different countries: how much lounges are allowed, whether their activity is legal and how they cope with restrictions.

In Russia, the legality of hookah lounges is regulated by several legal acts. Hookah lounges are obliged to comply with the anti-tobacco law, which prohibits smoking in public places, except for specially equipped isolated rooms. In addition, lounges must comply with tax laws and sanitary and epidemiological standards established by the state. A separate restriction concerns the combination of activities: hookah establishments are prohibited from providing catering services.

Russia also has systems of fines for advertising and selling tobacco products, so hookah establishments are prohibited from directly advertising hookah smoking services.

The COVID-19 pandemic also made adjustments to the operation of hookah lounges. At different times such restrictions as a complete ban on activity, reduction in the number of seats and increased requirements for disinfection of premises were introduced. In many regions of the Russian Federation these measures are still in force, for example, in St. Petersburg.

How are hookah lounges coping with restrictions?

Association

Hookah lounge owners organize into associations to advocate for their interests to legislators, push for relaxation of restrictions, and find compromises in regulating the industry.

Catering

Most lounges cooperate with food delivery services and neighboring establishments so that guests can order food without going hungry. This circumvents the ban on catering services.

Atmosphere advertising

To attract customers, establishments emphasize a unique atmosphere: they hold themed evenings, create unusual interiors and photo zones. This helps to attract the audience, despite the restrictions in advertising.

Compliance with sanitary norms

Hookah lounges have strengthened safety measures: they use disinfectants, special equipment for cleaning hookahs and regularly clean the premises. This allows them to comply with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor and ensure the safety of guests.

Conclusion

The operation of hookah lounges in Russia is in the legal risk zone due to the ban on smoking tobacco in public places and strict sanitary requirements. However, many establishments are finding ways to adapt. In an uncertain environment, it is important that hookah lounge owners keep track of changes in legislation and respond quickly to new challenges.

Here is what I would like ask you to do in the comments section (business discussion):

•  Can you please tell me if hookah lounge is allowed in your country?
• If there are any limitations, how do you deal with them?

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