The owner of a shisha bar in Wembley has been fined for allowing customers to break the smoking ban on his premises.

Ibrahim Marashi, the proprietor of Fayrouz Lounge in Neeld Parade, was taken to court for the second time in a year for the same offence.

Kaleem Afridi, the bar’s manager, was also prosecuted.

Willesden Magistrates Court heard during a visit from enforcement officers from the council Afridi claimed he did not know smoking was not allowed in the closed seating area.

However, when the officers returned three hours later customers were still allowed to smoke in the area in January this year.

The customers were given a fixed penalty notice on the spot.

Under the law, an area where smoking is taking place must not be substantially enclosed.

Last week, Marashi was ordered to pay £4,000 in fines and £1,000 costs while Afridi was fined £2,000 plus £955 in costs to Brent Council.

Last December, Marashi was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay £800 costs for the same offence.