Raids on shisha lounges uncover illegal tobacco, gambling, and safety hazards
Authorities conducted surprise inspections at seven bars and shisha lounges in Raunheim and Kelsterbach on January 23. Every venue inspected was found to have violated regulations, resulting in fines, seizures, and immediate closures in some cases.
In Kelsterbach, inspectors confiscated four illegal gambling machines from one bar. Another establishment was penalized for hygiene issues. However, the most serious problems were found in shisha lounges, where carbon monoxide levels were dangerously high due to poor ventilation.
In Raunheim, a shisha bar was caught with around 200 grams of unauthorized hookah tobacco, along with minor hygiene and safety issues. Another venue had approximately 4.6 kilograms of banned tobacco, while a customer was using two gambling machines simultaneously. At a third location, 1.6 kilograms of illegal tobacco and spoiled food were discovered. Elsewhere in the town, 850 grams of prohibited shisha tobacco were found in one bar, with an additional 4.3 kilograms seized from an employee's car. Another lounge was immediately shut down after inspectors found a missing emergency exit and dangerously high carbon monoxide levels. Meanwhile, a separate venue was found employing an undeclared worker receiving welfare benefits, triggering a fraud investigation. No establishment was left without violations, and several now face further legal action.
The inspections led to multiple seizures, fines, and at least one immediate closure. Authorities have launched follow-up investigations into welfare fraud and illegal gambling. All venues will be monitored for compliance in the coming weeks.
