Rochdale Shisha Lounge Closed After Dangerous Carbon Monoxide Levels

The Phantom Lounge, a shisha venue on Maclure Road in Rochdale, was ordered to close by Manchester Magistrates' Court on 24 July 2026 following a closure notice from Rochdale Borough Council. Environmental health officers, supported by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Police, found illegal indoor smoking and hazardous kitchen practices that produced carbon monoxide concentrations exceeding 100 ppm, well above safe limits.

The council had offered the owners an opportunity to remedy the breach of the Smoke‑Free regulations under the Health Act 2006, but the business refused to cooperate and continued operating. Fire officers were forced to evacuate customers and staff on two occasions for their safety. Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Climate Change and Environment, said the high CO levels posed a serious risk to health and warned that similar violations would face enforcement action.

The closure order was issued to protect public health and workplace safety, citing the toxic, odorless nature of carbon monoxide and the council's duty to enforce safety standards.