Restaurants in Lviv have been fined millions for serving hookahs
In Lviv, there has been a sharp increase in complaints about hookah smoking in cafes, restaurants, and outdoor patios, leading to large-scale inspections and fines running into the millions for these establishments. In recent years alone, the total amount of fines for violations of anti-smoking laws has exceeded tens of millions of hryvnias, and the trend is intensifying. City authorities emphasize that hookahs are prohibited in food service establishments regardless of the composition of the mixtures. This is reported by Delo.ua.
In Lviv, with the start of the summer season, there has been a significant increase in complaints from residents about hookah smoking in dining establishments, and this applies not only to indoor areas but also to outdoor patios and terraces, where patrons often ignore the bans.
Against this backdrop, the city has significantly stepped up inspections of compliance with anti-smoking laws, and as a result of these inspections, businesses are being fined amounts already in the tens of millions of hryvnias. According to official data, 531 inspections were conducted in Lviv in 2025 regarding the sale of tobacco products and e-cigarette liquids, and the total fines for violators exceeded 29 million hryvnias.
At the same time, since the beginning of 2026, another 365 inspections have already been carried out, and based on their results, fines totaling more than 20 million hryvnias have been imposed, indicating increased oversight and a stricter approach toward violators.
City officials remind the public that, in accordance with current Ukrainian law, smoking hookahs in restaurants and cafes is prohibited even when the mixtures do not contain tobacco, and this rule applies to both indoor areas and outdoor patios. “Smoking hookahs in public dining establishments is prohibited regardless of the composition of the mixtures,” city officials emphasize.
They also remind the public that significant fines are imposed for violations of anti-smoking regulations, and city officials urge business owners to comply with the rules and take a responsible approach to the health of their patrons, as enforcement in this area will only continue to intensify.
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