Wolverhampton shisha bar will create 'relaxed and civilised' city venue

The owners of The Cave in Frederick Street, Blakenhall, said they were “absolutely delighted” at the council’s decision to approve the licence, which was given subject to a number of conditions.

Concerns over public health and safety and the dangers of passive smoking had previously been raised to the council’s licensing sub-committee, who made the decision on the grounds that a number of conditions be applied.

The measures say that the smoking of shisha should only take place in a designated outside area, no music other than recorded background music be played and that the premises close at 3am every day.

Other conditions include no admittance to under 18s, no alcohol or late-night refreshments, heightened security at weekends and the introduction of a ‘refusals book’ documenting any incidents where people have been turned away.

Speaking on behalf of owner Jalalsaid Said, city businessman and bar owner Alex Abdelaal said: “This is a brand new concept for Wolverhampton, although it has been going for thousands of years in the Middle East.

“The shisha we use contains no tobacco and is made from dried fruit, just the same as sun-dried tomatoes really. It will provide a relaxed and civilised atmosphere for Wolverhampton people and we want to help improve the local economy in a positive way.”

Mr Abdelaal, who owns the Nutmeg Restaurant in Farmers Fold, said the Cave used a variety of fruit flavours in its shisha pipes including strawberry and apricot and that it was impossible for anyone to bring in their own tobacco or any illegal substances, as the shisha was sealed and served by waiting staff.

“The floor will be continually serviced by staff at all times to ensure this is the case and anyone who has consumed alcohol will not be admitted. Everything will be well-controlled and monitored.

“People can walk in sober and happy and I feel that the chance to enjoy the shisha in a safe environment will also help many smokers give up their nicotine addictions in the same way vaping has.

The venue, a former derelict warehouse, has cost £300,000 to develop and is fitted out with a stylish Egyptian/Middle Eastern-type decor.

“This will be a very different and peaceful place for people to socialise in the city. And alongside Jack’s Bar and Starworks, it will bring in a lot of much-needed business and investment to a previously run-down part of the city. We are absolutely delighted,” said Mr Abdelaal.

The venue has a maximum capacity of 220, but it was unlikely there would ever be that many people in there at any one time, he added.

Following the decision, owner Jalalsaid Said said he was “overjoyed” and invited people to come down and see the venue for themselves.

“It has a lot to offer the community and I am thrilled with the council’s decision,” he added.

Committee chairman councillor Alan Bolshaw said any interested parties had 21 days to appeal against the decision to the city’s magistrates court.