Mainz Court: Shishabar No Longer Allowed to Serve Hookahs Due to Safety Defects - Mainz hookah lounge permanently banned over deadly carbon monoxide risks
A hookah lounge in Mainz has been permanently banned from preparing or serving shisha after repeated safety failures. The decision came from the Mainz Administrative Court on Monday, upholding an earlier prohibition from October. Inspectors found the venue had ignored warnings and continued to put customers at risk. Authorities first imposed an immediate ban on shisha preparation and sales last October. Inspections between 2021 and 2025 revealed ongoing violations, including non-functional carbon monoxide detectors. The lounge also stored glowing coals on the floor and allowed smoking in non-designated areas. Further checks uncovered dangerous practices with the outdoor chimney. Staff had covered it with cardboard or even used a hairdryer to operate it. Despite multiple fines and warnings, the owner failed to address the hazards. The court dismissed the owner’s emergency appeal, confirming the ban. Officials stated the lounge had repeatedly neglected safety measures, leaving both customers and employees exposed to carbon monoxide risks. The ruling means the lounge can no longer offer shisha services. Authorities had documented persistent breaches over four years before taking legal action. The owner’s identity remains undisclosed, as no public reports link the case to a specific individual.
