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Shisha bar in Bochum (archive image)
Photo: Dominik Asbach
The North Rhine-Westphalian state government obliges shisha bars to better protect their employees and guests from carbon monoxide poisoning.
A decree drawn up by six ministries is to be issued next week, according to which operators should not exceed 35 milligrams of carbon monoxide (CO) per cubic meter of air.
CO is a life-threatening gas that can be released when the coal burns on the water pipes.
In the past few years there have been dozens of cases across Germany in which bar visitors have been poisoned and passed out.
In the future, bar operators in North Rhine-Westphalia will have to install mechanical ventilation systems.
According to the decree, "at least 130 cubic meters of air must be moved outside and replaced with fresh air per hour and every burning water pipe".
Exhaust air and smoke gases must be "discharged" via the roof of the bar "at a speed of at least seven meters per second".
In addition, bar operators are required to install carbon monoxide alarms with a memory function.
They must also put up warning signs at the entrance to the bar, warning of health hazards.
Violation of the decree can result in fines of up to 50,000 euros.
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