Shisha bars across Birmingham may be contravening the smoking ban as numbers have soared, council officials claim.

Just three bars were open in the city when the Government first banned smoking in public places in July 2007.

Now Birmingham city council has revealed the number of registered premises has shot up to 21, with many more illegal venues suspected of operating underground.

Shishas, which hail from India, are pipes in which fruit-scented tobacco is burnt using coal, passed through a water vessel and inhaled through a hose.

Coun Bob Beauchamp (Cons, Erdington), who sits on the council’s planning committee, questioned whether shisha bars were doing enough to comply with the smoking ban in public places. Like pubs and restaurants, customers can smoke outside the premises.

“This simply isn’t acceptable and will not be tolerated in this city.

“These businesses have to comply with the smoking ban just as pubs and other premises do,” he said.

Since 2007, five shisha bars in Birmingham have been fined for breaching the smoking ban, including Moon Shisha Lounge in Adelaide Street, Digbeth.

Trading standards, environmental health and planning officers have now joined forces in a bid to stop the bars allowing customers to smoke in enclosed areas.