Belfast City Council Court Successes Over Shisha Smoking And Illegal Eviction

Belfast City Council secured two successful prosecutions at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, including a smoke-free law breach at Sahara Shisha on Botanic Avenue and an illegal eviction case involving accommodation at Oranmore Street.

Belfast City Council Secures Two Court Successes

Belfast City Council has secured two prosecution successes at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, helping enforce public health and housing laws in the city.

The cases involved a breach of smoke-free legislation at Sahara Shisha and the illegal eviction of a tenant from rented accommodation.

Sahara Shisha Owner Fined Over Smoke-Free Law Breach

In the first case, the owner of Sahara Shisha, a café on Botanic Avenue, pleaded guilty to failing to prevent people smoking shisha inside the premises.

Mr Mesut Savcun was fined £1,350, plus £79 costs, for breaching smoke-free legislation under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

The prosecution followed repeated visits by Tobacco Control Officers. On five occasions, officers witnessed people smoking shisha inside the enclosed premises.

Under Northern Ireland law, smoking is prohibited in enclosed or substantially enclosed workplaces, public spaces, work vehicles and public transport. The legislation is designed to protect workers and the public from exposure to second-hand smoke.

More information on smoke-free legislation can be found via NI Direct Smoke-Free Law Guidance.

Belfast Landlord Fined For Illegal Eviction

In a second prosecution success, landlord Patrick Brady was fined £250 for illegally evicting a tenant from rented accommodation on Oranmore Street in Belfast.

He was also ordered to pay £78 costs at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

Local councils have powers to investigate complaints relating to landlord harassment and illegal eviction of tenants.

Further guidance for tenants and landlords is available from:

• Belfast City Council Housing Advice
• NI Direct Tenant Rights Information
• Housing Rights Northern Ireland

Protecting Residents Across Belfast

The successful court cases highlight the role councils play in protecting public health and supporting tenants’ rights across Northern Ireland.

Businesses and landlords are encouraged to ensure they understand and comply with current legislation to avoid enforcement action.