Is a popular Middle Eastern custom in danger?
Edgware Road in north London smells very different than it did a day ago. Walking along on Saturday, one had to fight through the throngs of Middle Easterners who frequent the popular district of the city. Arabs who flocked to the cafes could sample a slice of Damascus or Cairo in the heart of London. The aromas – usually apple-flavoured tobacco, but sometimes watermelon, or strawberry – could be smelt from almost every restaurant, every cafe. The area had come to be known as the 23rd Arab state with Arabic very nearly its official language. But Edgware Road’s Middle Eastern allure could now fade into a pipe dream. Bubbly no more On Sunday Patrons of this popular district’s cafes seem to be in a sense of limbo and inside seating areas are largely bereft of young Arabs and a usually crowded street is calm and subdued. Cafe owners and community leaders blame a smoking ban which went into effect on Sunday. They say it has sparked fears of an end to London’s “shisha street” and could lead
