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Shisha Could Be Legal in Mississauga’s Middle Eastern Restaurants Soon
June 27, 2026 | Last Update June 27, 2026 1:36 pm
Mississauga Councillor Alvin Tedjo has introduced a motion asking Peel Region to review its current shisha bylaw and explore a clear licensing framework for shisha lounges and cafés instead of maintaining the current restrictive approach.
According to the motion, shisha cafés are more than just businesses—they are important cultural and social gathering places for Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Turkish communities. The proposal also recognizes that these businesses create hundreds of jobs and contribute to the local economy.
A Long-Standing Challenge for Middle Eastern Restaurants
For many Middle Eastern restaurants, shisha has never been just an extra service. It has been a core part of the business model, attracting customers who come to enjoy both authentic food and a social atmosphere.
However, Peel Region's strict waterpipe smoking bylaw has made operating these businesses extremely difficult. Restaurant owners have faced significant legal uncertainty, and a single violation can result in fines reaching up to $50,000, making the business too risky for many operators.
As a result, several restaurants either stopped offering shisha or closed altogether.
Restaurants That Were Forced to Adapt
One of the best-known examples is Moods, which offered shisha for many years before discontinuing the service in early 2026 because of the growing regulatory risks.
Another example is Levant Restaurant in Mississauga, which was also known for offering shisha before eventually closing its doors.
Many business owners believe the absence of a clear licensing system—not simply the health regulations—has been one of the biggest obstacles to investing in or continuing these businesses.
What About Other Cities?
Unlike Peel Region, some businesses in Burlington have continued operating despite the regulatory risks.
Restaurants such as Nai Restaurant and Sama Lounge have continued to offer shisha, accepting the possibility of enforcement and significant fines.
If Peel Region moves toward a regulated licensing system, businesses like these could benefit from greater clarity and a more stable business environment. It could also encourage new investment in Middle Eastern hospitality businesses throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
What the Proposal Would Do
If approved, the motion would direct regional staff to:
- Review Peel's current waterpipe smoking bylaw.
- Examine licensing options for shisha lounges and cafés.
- Consult restaurant owners, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Evaluate both the public health impacts and the economic and cultural importance of these businesses.
The proposal does not legalize indoor shisha immediately. Instead, it begins a formal review that could eventually lead to a separate regulatory framework for herbal shisha businesses.
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