The owner of a shisha café in Cricklewood who allowed customers to smoke in an enclosed space has been fined almost £15,000.

Hassan El-Zein also failed to display health and under-age warnings on tobacco packing and shisha pipes inside Beirut Gardens in Cricklewood Broadway.

The 26-year-old failed to turn up at his hearing at Brent Magistrates’ Court last week so a collection order was made meaning if he does not pay his fines within 28 days a bailiff will be sent to his home and business.

The court heard officers from Brent Council carried out a routine visit at the café where they saw customers being supplied with shisha pipes, tobacco products and smoking in the substantially enclosed marquee at the back of the premises.

They also witnessed other offences in the café and took photographs for evidence.

El-Zein was convicted of breaching The Health Act 2006 and Smoke-free Premises and Enforcement Regulations 2006.

He was fined £8,140 for the offences, £120 victim surcharge and £2,185 in costs to the council.

His company Beirut Gardens Limited was also fined £2,660, £100 victim surcharge and £500 in cost to the council.

He must pay a total of £14,705 within 28 days.