La Spezia – They used hookahs without authorization in their restaurants, allowing their customers to use them and now they risk a fine of up to 50 thousand euros.
The irregularity was reported by the financial police group of La Spezia and the officials of the monopolies office for Liguria of ADM – La Spezia Section who seized 12 kg of hookah molasses imported smuggledly and without the required state seal.
Administrative sanctions were imposed on the managers of the commercial activities, the amount of which varies from 5,000 to 50,000 euros.
The finance blitz was triggered after a careful analysis of the websites and social pages of the restaurants where this particular type of service was advertised in addition to the traditional drinks typical of bars or restaurants.
The consumption of molasses to be smoked via hookah is increasingly requested by customers of all ages and with a rapidly growing trend in our country too.
The use of hookahs on premises is not prohibited but the legislation in force requires that operators must obtain the required authorizations (“special licence”, authorization issued by the Customs and Monopolies Agency) otherwise they risk heavy fines and, in some cases, also the complaint for smuggling.
