‘Smoking cafe’ fires up in city

A legal smoking cafe has opening in central Geelong, to the dismay of anti-smoking campaigners and the city’s state MP.
Patrons of Ryrie St’s Inazana cafe smoke shishas or hookahs, waterpipe tobacco smoking devices from India, indoors legally.
Quit Victoria’s Fiona Sharkie said the state was the only one in Australia allowing hookah-smoking in indoor areas of restaurants and cafes.
“Under current Victorian law shisha and hookah cafes are exempt from smoke-free legislation despite the substantial health risks this type of smoking poses to both the user and those exposed to second-hand smoke,” she said.
“World Health Organisation estimates that a water pipe smoker inhales as much smoke in an one-hour session as a cigarette smoker would inhale consuming 100 or more cigarettes. Waterpipe smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking”
Member for Geelong Ian Tresize expressed concern Inazana would promote “a pro-smoking message”.
“I try to keep an open mind about novel ideas like that but, as a father of two young adults and a stanuch anti-smoker, my concern is that it’s targeted as young people.
“At a time when we’re tightening are smoking laws it’s a concern that businesses likes this are still promoting smoking messages.”
Inazana staff member Nikola Vrban said the venue’s smoke contained no nicotine and the water in the pipes soaked up any chemicals.
“I’ve been smoking it for a year and a half and I’m not addicted. I just do it to be social and to enjoy the flavour,” Mr Vrban said.
The cafe had been “packed” since opening this month for evening trade, he said.