A SHISHA lounge has been stripped of its licence following a damning investigation that found it had violated a series of regulations and laws.
The Soin Lounge, on Oxford Road, in Denham had its licence pulled by Buckinghamshire Council following dramatic revelations of illegal activities at the premises, as well as major disregard for social distancing guidelines.
The authority chastised the venue’s licence holder Mr Moyn Uddin for his ‘cavalier attitude’, adding he is “clearly not fit and proper to hold such a licence and has no understanding or regard for licensing legislation”.
As a result, the Soin Lounge can no longer keep or sell alcohol at its premises.
The venue had been at the centre of much public alarm since its inception in early August of this year.
Formerly the Dog and Duck pub, Maya, Turpins and Tiger Cubs, the premises eventually became the Soin Lounge, which is when local grievances started to roll in.
Neighbours impacted by the goings on reported allegations of ‘sexual indecency’, ‘violence’, and ‘intimidation’ associated with the venue.
They also told of their struggles in regards to a “significant” increase in noise from people, music and cars; anti-social behaviour involving sexual acts in public, public urination and dangerous driving; alleged criminal activity such as drug use, drink driving and fighting; and breaches of Covid restrictions around social distancing.
Some reports claimed to have seen a “firearm” at the Soin Lounge.
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In addition to this, it was also revealed “significant structural changes” had been unlawfully taken at the Grade II listed property, invalidating the original permit.
A series of visits by licensing and environmental health officers, as well as Thames Valley Police (TVP) confirmed violations of Covid rules, the illegal sale of alcohol, and breaches of smoking legislation.
Social media posts as recent as November 3 advertised cocktails, as well as large groups of revellers huddled together without masks on.
Other flouting of the rules included people smoking cigarettes and shisha pipes, and staying open after 10pm.
The authority said Soin Lounge, believed to be under the management of Mr Guarav Soin, had shown “complete disregard for the law.”
The authority also found the two licence holders, Mr Uddin and Mr Abdul Kahir Ujjal, repeatedly ignored legal notices which is a criminal offence.
Although he did not challenge the “overwhelming” evidence against him, the authority said Mr Uddin “demonstrated no remorse or regret for these events and how the quality of life of the local residents had diminished in this relatively short period”.
It added he was “evasive, belligerent and inconsistent” and despite training “he denied his legal responsibilities”.
“There are hundreds of bars across all of Buckinghamshire who run their business legally and responsibly,” said Fred Wilson, cabinet member for regulatory services at Buckinghamshire Council.
“We will do everything we can to support these local businesses, especially through the challenges they face because of Covid.
“However, in light of their complete disregard for the law, numerous illegal actions and the impact their actions have been having on local residents, we have taken robust action and revoked the licence at Soin Lounge.”
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