A SHISHA bar operator has been given a record fine in Kirklees for allowing smoking indoors.

The massive fine has been given to the Arabian Lounge on Zetland Street in Huddersfield.

Kirklees magistrates fined Imran Saleem, of Springbank Lane, Rochdale, after finding him guilty in his absence of five counts of failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place, plus two counts of failing to display no smoking signs in the premises.

Mr Saleem was given fines totalling £14,000 and also ordered to pay Kirklees Council costs of £1,694 plus a £100 victim surcharge.

The court also heard that Mr Saleem had been prosecuted in 2012 for similar offences in Bolton.

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: “Shisha smoking is treated in exactly the same way as other forms of smoking and premises have to comply with the laws.

“This is not the first time that Kirklees Council has prosecuted those operating Shisha bars in the area and has pledged to ensure that no such premises operate at an unfair commercial advantage, whereas other businesses are abiding by the smoke-free legislation.

“Shisha smoking also comes with a health warning as prolonged Shisha sessions can deliver many times the level of toxic substances found in a normal cigarette.”