Oxford bar fined for illegal tobacco advertising
A company operating an Oxford city centre bar has been ordered to pay almost £7,000 after admitting an offence relating to the illegal advertising of waterpipe tobacco products, commonly known as shisha.
Spirit Bar Ltd, which operates Thirst Bar in Park End Street, Oxford, pleaded guilty to a single offence under the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 2 October 2026.
The prosecution followed an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team, which examined social media content published by the business over several years.
The company was ordered to pay fines, costs and surcharges totalling £6,949.16.
Officers identified numerous Facebook and Instagram posts featuring waterpipes, references to shisha prices and promotional content associated with the venue’s shisha garden. The evidence included photographs, videos, hashtags and images showing shisha-related signage and pricing.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “The law is clear. Tobacco advertising has been prohibited for many years because of the known harm caused by tobacco products.
“Businesses must ensure their websites, social media accounts and promotional material comply with the law. This includes content promoting waterpipe tobacco, commonly known as shisha.”
During the investigation, the company admitted that the social media posts were intended to promote the venue and attract customers. It also acknowledged using shisha-related hashtags and imagery across its social media platforms. The adverts remained online for weeks after officers brought them to the attention of one of the directors.
Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, added: “Trading standards will continue to take action when businesses unlawfully promote tobacco products. This prosecution forms part of our ongoing work to reduce the availability and promotion of tobacco products and protect public health across the county.”
The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 prohibits businesses from publishing tobacco advertisements where the purpose or effect is to promote tobacco products.
More information
- Spirit Bar Ltd operates Thirst Bar, 7-8 Park End Street, Oxford.
- On 12 January 2026, following an application by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team, an Oxford City Council licensing subcommittee reviewed the premises licence for Thirst Bar because of concerns about the operation of a shisha business at the premises. The licence was suspended until 23 January 2026, and additional conditions were imposed, including a ban on the supply of waterpipe tobacco.
- On 24 July 2026, Sami Shridi, who operated the shisha business at the venue, pleaded guilty to offences relating to non-compliant waterpipe tobacco products discovered during a trading standards inspection. He was ordered to pay £2,333 in fines and costs.
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