Two unlicensed Birmingham shisha lounges shut down by West Midlands Police

Police have closed down two unlicensed shisha lounges following concerns from the local community about anti-social behaviour at each venue.

Kasablanca and The Big Drip, both in Mosley Street, Highgate, Digbeth, were hosting unlicensed music events and other activities, which were attracting crowds whose disruptive behaviour was upsetting residents in the area.

West Midlands Police said it acted on complaints, and gathered intelligence that alleged gang members and others in possession of firearms were attending the two sites. On Monday, December 12 we successfully obtained closure orders for both venues from Birmingham Magistrates Court.

Inspector Gary Everitt, responsible for neighbourhood management in the area, said: “Any social club or similar establishment that requires a licence to operate must do so.

“Just as importantly, those running these venues need to ensure that their activities and the people they attract don’t disrupt the lives of those living in the surrounding area. Clearly, this wasn’t the case at both of these premises so we moved to close them down.

“We’ll continue to challenge anti-social behaviour wherever it occurs, be that in public spaces, private residences or commercial venues.”