Jump to full article: New Haven (CT) Register, 2009-06-26
Author: Brian McCready, Milford Bureau Chief
Intro: MILFORD -- The owner of a Bridgeport Avenue "hookah" club that features fragrant pipe smoking and belly dancers is vowing to reopen today, but city officials plan to take legal action if the doors open.
The Olive Tree Hookah Lounge was closed June 19 by the Health Department because the city claims smoking inside the club violates city ordinances.
But club owner Salmmer Karout of Hamden said the Olive Tree is a private, members-only organization, and therefore is exempt from city regulations.
Karout opened Olive Tree Hookah Lounge at 2007 Bridgeport Ave. in May, next door to his Middle Eastern restaurant. Club-goers pay to smoke "fruit-flavored tobacco" through a water pipe in a communal setting.
Karout appealed the city's action and plans to open the club tonight.
City Health Director Dr. A. Dennis McBride said the lounge was closed June 19 because of what he called the "significant health hazards" posed by smoking tobacco through a water pipe. . . .
There is festive music and "among the best belly dancers" entertain his patrons, Karout said. He said the lounge is "very classy."
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