Shisha cafes might be running under tighter regulations if councils bow to police and public pressure.

Allegations of criminal conduct and large numbers of complaints from locals for unregulated opening hours has pushed better regulations of cafes that operate like nightclubs.

The cafes, where people can smoke flavoured tobacco popular in Middle Eastern countries, do not serve alcohol and therefore do not need to abide by restricted opening hours. In some cases, cafes are able to stay open as late as 4am.

The cafes have been hotspots for unsocial behaviour Inspector Dean McGowan says.

“Along Sydney Road, over the past 18 months, there have been guns produced and shots fired at some of these venues, and brawls, late-night amenity issues and unsociable behaviour,” he said to The Age.

Moreland City Council mayor, Lambros Tapinos says the cafes are at risk at disturbing residents.

“These venues operate like nightclubs, they don’t serve alcohol but they play loud music and open late. We need to look at how this impacts on residents.”

Source: The Weekly Review Melbourne Times