The disgraced manager of a Bucks shisha bar who allowed illegal activity to take place at his venue has been slammed for “putting two fingers up” to the authorities.
Gaurav Soin, the manager of Soin Lounge in Oxford Road, Denham, was ordered to pay more than £5,000 in fines and costs after he pleaded guilty to multiple offences at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on October 14.
Bucks Council investigated the venue following complaints from the public and have slammed its manager following his conviction.
READ MORE: Shisha lounge manager fined thousands over illegal activities at venue
Cllr Nick Naylor, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “There are hundreds of bars across all of Buckinghamshire who run their business legally and responsibly.
“We have done everything we can to support these local businesses, especially through the challenges they have faced because of Covid.
“However, in light of Mr Soin’s complete disregard for the law, numerous illegal actions and the impact their actions have been having on local residents, we have taken robust action and prosecuted the manager of the Soin Lounge.”
When he appeared at court, Soin admitted to two counts of allowing smoking in a smoke-free premises and two counts of carrying on unauthorised licensable activities – all in October 2020.
As he sentenced Soin, District Judge Malcolm Dodds said: “Being an entrepreneur is a good thing. People clearly enjoyed going to Soin Lounge.
“But you were clearly told you should not run the premises. As soon as you knew this, you should have shut it down.
“It might be more understandable if it had happened once. But you ignored what you had been successively told and ignored warnings, in order to make money.
“This judge takes an extremely dim view of what was really two fingers to the authorities, who were only doing their job. Although the smoking of shisha is not of itself unlawful, you were told it was illegal in the premises and you carried on ignoring that advice.”
Following the sentencing, South Buckinghamshire Neighbourhood Sergeant Rachel Dale said: “The actions of this premises caused concern amongst the local community and I’m glad that through our work with Buckinghamshire Council, we have been able to put an end to this disruption.
“Despite repeatedly offering support and advice to the business and the owner, they continued to act in a manner which increased concerns not only through the way the business was managed but also at a time of particular sensitivity as many have felt during the pandemic.
“Local communities consist of both residents and businesses and when these complement each other, the community thrives. Where a business causes disruption to those living and working around it, breaches legislation and disregards attempts to work alongside the community, this cannot continue and we will work in partnership to ensure robust action is taken.”
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