«عكاظ» تخترق سحب الدخان في «لاونجات جدة» المخالفة

The "lounges" are burdened with a number of problems, including negative behaviors and organizational violations, in addition to health risks resulting from smoking in closed and poorly ventilated places, the absence of many health requirements, and non-compliance with municipal and health regulations.

Under the name "lounges," dozens of establishments have emerged that offer shisha, drinks, and food. The word "lounge," according to language experts, means a hall or a waiting room, and it often refers to a comfortable and spacious place that provides cozy seating such as sofas and plush chairs; with the aim of relaxation, enjoyment, tranquility, and comfort for its visitors.

However, the alleged comfort has become lost with the lack of regulation, turning lounges into annoying environments for visitors and off-putting for those living nearby, as loud music fills the air and clouds of smoke rise.

Fawaz Al-Ghamdi points out that the loud noises and behaviors emanating from some lounges have made the place an unwelcoming environment, with the density of shisha smoke so high that visitors cannot see who is sitting next to them. The problem lies in the noise and the heavy use of shisha, while there is insufficient ventilation or isolated areas for those who do not prefer the presence of shisha.

Khalid Al-Mutairi indicates that the health risks that may affect visitors to lounges that serve food alongside shisha in the same area without partitions are significant, and the danger lies in their presence within residential areas, making it easy for minors to access them, thus serving as a promotional tool encouraging entry into the world of smoking.

“Okaz” monitoring revealed health and environmental violations committed by non-compliant lounges in Jeddah, most notably poor ventilation, the use of tobacco from unknown sources, and the improper use of sound systems, in addition to several violations related to the absence of designated areas for non-smokers and the lack of partitions between them.

Multiple violations were also noted regarding low cleanliness standards, employing staff without obtaining the necessary health certificates, and other practices that compromise consumer safety, such as handling food in unhealthy ways, and the improper and haphazard storage of food and drinks.

“Okaz” monitoring observed non-compliance among workers regarding personal hygiene and health appearance, low cleanliness levels in preparation areas and equipment, and the failure of workers to wear designated uniforms, head coverings, and gloves, as well as conducting activities without a license or with an expired license, and non-compliance with regulations for displaying and storing tobacco products, as well as the absence or lack of clarity of nutritional labels, and the failure to provide adequate ventilation or lighting.

“Okaz” monitoring showed a dense presence of smoke inside the lounges, and the provision of food service alongside shisha.

Wood shavings with shisha!

Respiratory physician Abdul Moneim Al-Shahri warned of the dangers of the smoke that fills several lounges focused on financial gain without regard for the health of their patrons, as shisha, or hookah, causes severe harm to the respiratory system, increases the risk of chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases, and weakens lung functions, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

Campaigns conducted by municipalities and regulatory bodies have revealed locations that mix highly dangerous wood shavings with shisha to achieve profit, posing a significant health risk to users, as it leads to serious health issues such as respiratory irritation, heart diseases, and cancers, especially nasal cancer, because wood shavings smoke contains harmful and carcinogenic substances. Preventive measures are required, such as using powerful suction devices and providing good ventilation in workplaces to protect patrons and workers.

Al-Shahri explained that smokers are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, nicotine, and many carcinogenic chemicals, which contributes to an increased risk of cancer and heart diseases. Additionally, smoking shisha increases the risk of serious lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis. Inhaling shisha smoke in poorly ventilated and closed lounges leads to respiratory irritation and damage to the cells responsible for filtering mucus.

50,000 Riyals fine for violating cafes

Lawyer and legal consultant Ahmed Al-Maliki revealed that monitoring cafes operating without a municipal license, as announced by the municipality, resulted in the closure of 10 "lounges," and these violations could expose the establishments to fines of up to 50,000 Riyals. He indicated that a municipal license is issued according to the provisions of the municipal licensing system, and the system imposes financial penalties on those who commit violations by constructing a building or commercial project without obtaining the required license from the municipality.

According to the municipal fines list, fines for not having a municipal license range from 10,000 Riyals to 50,000 Riyals, and practicing activities contrary to the granted license incurs fines between 1,000 Riyals and 5,000 Riyals, while engaging in an additional activity not included in the license granted by the municipality incurs fines from 600 Riyals to 3,000 Riyals. Furthermore, violating the provision of tobacco products without a license incurs a financial penalty of 30,000 Riyals.

Al-Maliki clarified that the penalties were imposed to ensure safety and quality, as licenses are essential to ensure that the establishment complies with health, environmental, and public safety standards according to municipal regulations. He noted that licenses include the presence of sound business practices that serve consumers and protect their rights, and help organize commercial activities and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.