A SHISHA bar which has been a hive of antisocial behaviour has been ordered to close for three months.

This is the first time that Tower Hamlets council has sought to use its powers to close a commercial premise.

Closure Notices were served on three premises in Fairfield Road, Bow, including Lounge 101 back in November 2010, and this month the and sought a Premise Closure Order.

Thames Magistrates’ Court granted the order to shut down the second floor shisha bar at Lounge 101 on Monday, January 10.

Andy Bamber, Head of Community Safety at Tower Hamlets Council, said: “This shisha bar has caused much disruption to the lives of residents and we’re please that we’ve been able to put a stop to it.

“Now we need to make sure that it stays closed. Our officers have secured the venue and made it clear that if anybody enters they face harsh punishment.”

The Order will mean that the premises are closed down for a period of three months and it is a criminal offence for anyone to remain or enter the premises during that period. Anyone who does enter the premise could face imprisonment of up to 51 weeks and/or a fine of up to �5,000.

Lounge 101 has been secured, and signs have been placed on the access points stating that the council and police have taken action.

The Magistrates decided that the order will not apply to the other premises as Lounge 101 was generating the complaints and disorder.

Tower Hamlets council said Lounge 101 had been a popular hang-out for youths who congregated outside and caused disturbance until the early hours.

Prior to the closure the premises received numerous visits by the council’s antisocial behaviour investigation officers and the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team offering help to resolve the problems.