Full Notification

On Friday, June 20, 2014, multi-agency taskforce comprised of Van Nuys, Mission, Devonshire, West Valley and North Hollywood Vice Units along with Detective Support and Vice Division (DSVD), the Los Angeles City Attorney Tobacco Enforcement Unit, Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), State Board of Equalization, and Sate of California Labor Department, conducted enforcement on six hookah lounges in the Van Nuys- Sherman Oaks area.

All of the six locations were in violation of Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.50.B.2.c which states that smoking (including the smoking of hookah tobacco) is prohibited in outdoor dining areas or in areas intended for the consumption of food. The owners of theses establishments were not only cited for 41.50.B.2.c LAMC but a variety of violations including possession of altered alcoholic beverages (347(b) PC), allowing smoking inside the workplace (6404.5(B)- CA Labor Code), and Unauthorized possession of distilled spirits (25607(a) B&P). The California Board of Equalization also seized tobacco which owners could not provide a bill of sale.

“Hookah lounges are not illegal,” said Van Nuys Vice Officer Brian Frost. “However smoking in any establishment, whether it be cigarettes, cigars, vapor or hookah, where food and alcohol is being served is in violation of both sate and local laws.”

For additional information or questions on current smoking laws contact the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Tobacco Enforcement Program at (213) 978-7970 or [email protected].