An ‘illegal’ basement nightclub which let punters in by bringing them underneath a takeaway’s security shutters has been shut down.
Queens Lounge, operated in the basement of Tasty’s Restaurant, on Oldham Road in Newton Heath. The premises had drawn the ire of residents, Manchester City Council says, due to the noise of music and rave-goers being heard in the early hours.
Last week (June 19), Magistrates granted a court order shutting down the club following an investigation which lasted months. During the course of the probe, council officers found a huge haul of booze.
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Its officers saw members of the public entering Queens Lounge through Tasty’s shutters, which were raised and lowered to allow access. This took place throughout the night of November 6, 2022, when investigators also heard music coming through the door of the venue as well as observing two women, who appeared to be intoxicated, entering the premises through the shutters at approximately 3am.
More surveillance continued and officers witnessed similar activity taking place late at night on other occasions. Neighbours have also reported arguing and fighting in and around the venue, bass music coming from inside the venue, usage of Nitrous Oxide as well as litter in the alleyway to the rear of the premises, the council said.
The clincher, however, came after a joint visit to the club between the council and police. On March 25, officers found a large quantity of alcohol stored in the basement of the premises, intended for sale. The discovery of a receipt book confirmed this suspicion, and led to the council to apply for a Closure Order on the premises, which was granted last Friday.
“Residents surrounding this premises have for too long had to tolerate an unacceptable level of disturbance and disruption,” Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said. “The constant nuisance and anti-social behaviour which took place causes significant harm and diminishes the overall wellbeing and amenity of the surrounding community.
“The wealth of evidence uncovered through our investigation proved beyond doubt this venue was operating as an illegal bar and club.
“This closure order will now give the Council an opportunity to work with the owner of the business, and the owner of the building, to find a long-term solution to this issue.
“I am grateful for the diligence shown by our officers and legal team in securing this closure order, and I’d reiterate to our residents that we remain committed to tackling any kind of disturbance that negatively impacts our communities.”
The Order requires Tasty's to immediately close until September 15, 2023. All persons are banned from entering the premises, other than Rubina Jamal Malik (owner of the premises leasehold), Manzoor Malik, and members of the emergency services, Council officers, or contractors working on behalf of the Council.
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