Lincoln law requires hookah lounge to stock liquor even though the Muslim owners don't want to sell

Lincoln law requires hookah lounge to stock liquor even though the Muslim owners don't want to sell it


City ordinance and state regulations will require the Muslim owners of a prospective Lincoln hookah lounge to stock and serve alcohol even though they don't want to because it violates the tenets of their faith.

Mustafa Albusharif and Mohanad Akrawee want to open 88 Hookah Lounge at 16th and O streets, with the focus on the water pipes used to smoke flavored tobacco.

"Our goal is to be a chill place for students and to show the community of Lincoln a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern style of smoking hookah," Albusharif told the City Council this month.

They want to allow customers to also smoke cigars and enjoy Middle Eastern-style chai teas and juices.

But they'll have to offer alcohol, too, or risk not being able to open.

Read more: https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lincoln-law-requires-hookah-lounge-to-stock-liquor-even-though/article_ce7f1e0d-b4b7-54cd-b575-e626b10c8cb3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-2
(Lincoln Journal Star)