Unlicensed Bar and Shisha Lounge Allegedly Operated Above Bradford Food Store

The upper level of a food establishment in Bradford has reportedly been utilized as an unauthorized “party venue,” complete with a bar and a shisha lounge. The proprietors of Euro Fresh Supermarket on Southfield Road asserted that the area above their retail premises functioned as a social gathering spot where individuals consumed tea and engaged in Kurdish chequers. However, during a session of Bradford Council’s district licensing panel on Thursday, municipal officials reported observing discarded alcohol containers, bedding on the ground, and individuals openly using shisha pipes at the location. Mohammed Majed Ali, the establishment’s owner, stated that he had ceased leasing the area and assured that the late-night gatherings would not recur. Reports of disturbances emanating from the shop building’s upper level had been received, occurring as late as 4:00 BST. Information regarding the site came to light during a meeting where councillors were scheduled to deliberate on a request for the food store to be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages until 2am, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Bradford Council’s environmental health department had opposed the licensing application, asserting they had been “made aware of a bar area, shisha lounge and seating for 20 people and the serving of food all of which is situated on the first floor and not included in the application.” The objection further stated: “Complaints of loud music and noise from cars have been received with the complainant stating that the noise is coming from an unofficial party venue at the premises.” During the meeting, Mr Ali was represented by Nick Semper, a licensing consultant, who argued that the objections pertained to a leased area above the retail unit, rather than the shop itself, and therefore the licence ought to be approved. This area had been leased to a person who utilized it as a “social space for friends to gather.” He also noted: “There is a pool table, a table for playing chequers, a game popular in the Kurdish community.” The panel members were informed that subsequent to the complaints, Mr Ali had ceased renting out the premises above the store. He offered an apology for any disturbances originating from the upper floor and remarked: “Neighbours are more important than getting rent from a customer.” Officials informed the meeting that the West Yorkshire Fire Service had inspected the upstairs area in October. They discovered that a fire alarm panel had been detached and no firefighting apparatus was present, though a charcoal grill, a bar, and cooking amenities were found. Mr Ali consented to execute a document affirming that he would not permit the upper floor to be utilized for any function other than storage or for the shop’s own use moving forward. Consequently, the panel granted the alcohol licence. Nevertheless, since the shop currently possesses planning permission to operate solely until 18:00 BST, Mr Ali will be required to seek authorization to alter these hours before the establishment can lawfully remain open until such a late time.