Only 56 of 514 cafes in Abu Dhabi serving shisha are equipped to implement new requirements based on the anti-tobacco law, said Ahmad Tarish Qubaisi, of the Department of Economic Development (DED). The owners of the remaining cafes will have to fully implement the changes in two phases.
Mr Qubaisi warned owners against taking advantage of the rules by raising the price of shisha and beverages in cafes and restaurants that have extended deadlines to comply.
“We have a list of prices for all operating establishmentsincluded in this decision. Inspection teams will work on controlling and fining offenders.” he said.
The first phase of the ban came into effect on Sunday.
The second phase is scheduled to begin in July and will be applicable to cafes larger than 70 square metres.
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