Enfield nightclub shut down for breaching coronavirus laws

The Incense Lounge in Alma Road, near Ponders End, has been ordered by a court to immediately close for three months.

The venue has received multiple visits from police and Enfield Council officers since September after it was found to have been operating as a nightclub and shisha bar, serving alcohol and playing music, which breached both coronavirus and licensing laws.

The Incense Lounge in Alma Road, Enfield. Credit: Enfield Council

On one visit in October, the council says police found a large group of people inside, while on another occasion, the shutters were pulled down to hide what was going on inside.

The Incense Lounge were taken to court by the council after it continued to stay open despite being served with enforcement notices.

At Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on February 10, a closure order was granted on the venue under section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The court also awarding costs of more than £4,000 to be paid in instalments by The Incense Lounge to Enfield Council from February 28.

Inside the venue. Credit: Enfield Council

Shisha pipes inside the venue. Credit: Enfield Council

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for licensing & regulatory services, Cllr George Savva, said: "Enfield Council repeatedly visited these premises to advise the directors on what they needed to do to operate legally and safely. But the licensing officers were left with no confidence that those in charge were capable of complying with the law.

"There appeared to be a deliberate disregard of COVID-19 regulations and licensing laws, which risked the health of the wider public.

"I would like to thank the police, licensing officers and the council’s legal team for working hard to protect the people of Enfield and ultimately, preventing the further spread of coronavirus."