A Turkish restaurant and shisha lounge will be able to continue operating under a licence after councillors assessed noise complaints.

Vu Lounge, which opened at Bushey Country Club in October 2019, must abide to certain conditions after its licence was reviewed in a Hertsmere Borough Council licensing sub-committee on Wednesday, September 7.

There were concerns the venue was being a “nuisance” to members of the public, with 13 noise complaints issued since May 2021.

Watford Observer: Bushey Country ClubBushey Country Club

Separately there were reports of noise nuisance, drug dealing, fighting and car related anti-social behaviour from the car park – however this section is the responsibility of the council rather than the lounge.

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Following the meeting, the council has confirmed that the licence holder agreed to some conditions and further conditions were imposed by the sub-committee.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The committee also advised that the licence-holder needed to engage with local residents.

“A decision notice with full details will be uploaded online within the next five working days. The premises have a right of appeal against the decision, as does any other person who submitted representations to the committee.”

The Watford Observer has not been given access to the decision notice at this time to see what the conditions are.

One person who lives nearby voiced their complaints about noise and other issues at the premises during the meeting.

Several other complaints have been lodged since the venue opened its doors, including allegations of breaches to indoor smoking regulations, multiple claims of lockdown rules being broken in 2020 and council officers being prevented from accessing and inspecting the site.

In the application to review the licence, the council’s health officer said: “On more than one occasion officers have been prevented from accessing the premises when attending to inspect whilst the premises were trading.

“Officers believe this to be due to the premises and its management knowing that it was in breach of certain legislation and undermines the crime and disorder objective.”

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