Paterson shuts down South Paterson hookah lounge, councilman
By Jayed Rahman
Published: March 18, 2016
The notorious hookah lounge Moonlight Cafe was issued a retail license suspension on Friday morning for indoor smoking effectively shutting down the establishment which has been diminishing quality of life in South Paterson, according to city officials.
This is the second time Andre Sayegh, 6th Ward councilman, successfully shutdown the troublesome establishment located at 1029 Main Street. “They’re gone for good,” he said on Friday afternoon. “Once in for all their license has been revoked.”
Sayegh previously shutdown the establishment on Dec. 30th, 2015. He said neighborhood residents have constantly complained about loud noise, large crowds, and lewd acts associated with the Moonlight Cafe and Hookah Lounge.
“I’d call it Lava Lounge 2.0,” said Sayegh describing the severity of the disturbance the establishment has been causing in the neighborhood. Lava Lounge was an infamous hookah lounge on Montclair Avenue that severely diminished quality of life for area residents.
Sayegh also shut down the Lava Lounge.
Even the former owner of the establishment, who now operates Habibi Café on Market Street, admitted the establishment located at 1029 Main Street has degenerated. He said there’s individuals in and around the establishment who freely deal drugs in the neighborhood.
Email: [email protected]
This report was last updated on March 18th, 2016 at 9 p.m.