A Liverpool city centre shisha lounge was fined £2,000 after it held a “lock-in” event for customers while the country was in lockdown, a council report said.
Tarab Shisha Lounge, on London Road, was ordered to pay the money after officers from Merseyside Police discovered the breach, which happened during the second national lockdown in November last year.
A report to the council’s neighbourhoods select committee outlines the business’s breach along with a number of other establishments in Liverpool that broke lockdown rules and have since been fined.
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They are a contrast to the vast majority of Liverpool businesses which abided by lockdown restrictions.
In the case of Tarab Shisha Lounge, undercover officers had to access the premises after the council’ s licensing officers were barred entry from the lounge, which was offering a “lock in” service.
The select committee report said: “A Prohibition Notice and £2000 fine was issued to Tarab Shisha Lounge for persistent non-compliance during the second national lockdown.
“This premises denied officers’ access and was operating a ‘lock in’ service for customers.
“Covert visits took place with undercover officers. The premises was operating a ‘lock in’ and customers were witnessed smoking shisha.
“Officers supported by colleagues from Merseyside Police subsequently gained entry and issued the Prohibition Notice and fine. A prosecution file will be submitted for non-payment of the fine.”
In addition to Tarab Shisha Lounge, a number of other businesses have also been fined or punished through the council’s licensing committee.
One business, The Spice Lounge Bar and Grill on Duke Street, lost its licence to sell alcohol entirely after police found a lockdown breach at the premises by the manager, who was issued a Covid fine for a separate breach months earlier.
