Hillsborough Commission Deals Blow To Late-Night Hookah Lounges

TAMPA, FL — People are doing a lot more than puffing on pipes at Hillsborough County hookah lounges.

Hillsborough sheriff's Chief Deputy Donna Lusczynski told Hillsborough County commissioners Wednesday that the lounges, which are open all night, have become a magnet for criminal activity.

Since March 2019, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department have responded to 17 violent incidents involving firearms at hookah lounges, including a homicide.

This year alone, law enforcement responded to 10 calls at hookah lounges between 3 and 7 a.m. when traditional bars are closed. The calls included shots fired at buildings, vehicles and patrons following arguments.

“Those calls for service do not include the 76 nuisance calls, made up of disturbances, thefts, burglaries, fights and assaults, to name a few,” Lusczynski said. “Although arrests can be made for some of these violations, it is clear from a law enforcement perspective that the best way to address these ongoing, increasing problems surrounding hookah lounges is to set more rules in place, holding lounges to a higher standard.”

The sheriff's office began investigating the lounges after the Rev. Chip Purcell of the West Broad Street Baptist Church complained about increased crime on church property from a nearby hookah lounge.

The church was struck by seven bullets during a shooting outside the lounge in September. In addition, Purcell said the church's surveillance cameras have shown illegal parking, littering, public urination, violence, prostitution and drug use. Church staff has found syringes and other drug paraphernalia on the church property.

"We feel this is a very reasonable restriction on these lounges to provide protections for people in the neighborhood," Purcell said.

"I was shocked to read about the complaints of large crowds in early-morning hours, noise, litter, fights, violence, shootings, stabbings, intoxication, illegal drug use and drug sales," said Ellen Snelling, board chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance. "I didn't even know hookah lounges were open after 3 a.m. Not only are they open but now I'm finding they are sources of crime. You've heard the old saying that nothing good happens after midnight. You can bet nothing good happens after 3 a.m."

During undercover investigations inside hookah lounges, detectives witnessed drug and illegal alcohol sales, dancers performing in various stages of undress and patrons and staff in possession of firearms.

Lusczynski said the lack of regulations at these lounges has resulted in dangerous behavior such as underage drinking, overdoses, DUI crashes and human trafficking. In addition to attracting criminal activity, she said the extended hours of operation also affects the quality of life for residents and other businesses surrounding hookah lounges.

At Lusczynski's request, the commission unanimously passed an ordinance Wednesday requiring hookah lounges to close from 3 to 7 a.m. This matches the rules already in place for bars and nightclubs that serve alcohol.

A violation of the ordinance, which will be enforced by deputies and county code enforcement officers, could result in a penalty fine of up to $500.

“We are thankful that our county commissioners, Commissioner Harry Cohen in particular who initiated this ordinance, listened to the concerns of law enforcement and. ultimately, put the safety of our community first in making their decision,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Our only objective is to ensure that lounge patrons and other innocent citizens are safe, and we look forward to working with hookah lounge owners to prevent crime in and around their establishments."

Hillsborough County has more than 75 hookah lounges that will be impacted by the ordinance.

The new ordinance will go into effect once it is filed with the state, which occurs fairly quickly, said county staff.

County Commissioner Stacy White asked law enforcement to conduct a sweep of all the county's hookah lounges once the ordinance takes effect.