Shisha Cafe Closed To Curb Anti-Social-Behaviour
05 October 2012
Following reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) from local residents, Brunel Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) served a closure notice on the Shisha Café at the rear of The Shisha Lounge, The Greenway, Uxbridge.
Uxbridge Magistrates Court granted the premises with a closure order on 01 October 2012 in accordance with Section 1A of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003. This is the first time a closure notice against a Shisha Café has been obtained in Hillingdon Borough and was welcomed by the local residents.
"This application was to address what the local residents have asked us to tackle".
Residents have complained of noise from people attending the Shisha Café. They described that there were parties until the early hours of the morning, groups of men had behaved in a threatening manner, loud music played, constant shouting and there were smoke fumes. Disturbances were often experienced until around 3am and residents suffered sleepless nights.
The actual Shisha Café is a temporary structure at the rear of the premises and to comply with smoking regulations, it is open to the air on two sides.
Having considered the complaints Hillingdon Borough Commander Steve Kershaw authorised Brunel SNT officers to exercise their powers conferred in the above mentioned legislation.
PS Derek Wheeler, of Brunel SNT, presented the case at Uxbridge Magistrates Court. Many residents turned up in support and three residents actually gave evidence. The court considered the evidence and the magistrates decided in favour of the application and issued a full Closure notice on the grounds that there was ASB linked to the premises, which was causing persistent serious nuisance to members of the public. This was served on the premises by Brunel SNT on the 3rd October.
This property will remain closed for three months from the date of the order. The order forbids anyone to enter the premises (without the permission of police) for three months. Anyone on contravention of this order is liable to a fine or imprisonment or both.
A local resident who wished not to be named said: ”The sincere and hard work put in by Sgt Derek Wheeler and his team is much appreciated. Without their efforts we would not have known how to resolve these problems. Another point that is worth making is that without the community coming together to assist with this case in a court of law, it may not have gone in our favour. We are all afraid to go to court, but unity brought this case to life.”
PC Sarah Wickens said: "This application was to address what the local residents have asked us to tackle. We are mindful that ASB affects the quality of life for those who have to endure it. We want to thank the residents who supported us with this application. This result shows that together with the community we can tackle local issues effectively. “
- Photo: PC Andy Hine serving closure notice Brunel SNT served a closure notice on the Shisha Cafe following reports of Anti Social Behaviour from local residents.