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RCMP shut down second ‘illegal booze can’ within a month

An illegal karaoke lounge was closed in Richmond last weekend
9669492_web1_20171205-KCN-T-RichmondNightclub
(RCMP handout)

RCMP have shut down an illegal karaoke lounge in Richmond’s industrial area, following a sweep of checks during the weekend.

The anti-gang unit located the club, called an “illegal booze can,” in the 11700 block of Voyageur Way on Dec. 3, police said Tuesday.

The two-level space looked similar to a karaoke lounge and included projectors, karaoke machines, a gambling area and professional-grade lighting similar to that of a nightclub, police said. Surveillance cameras were monitoring the front entrance.

Around 20 patrons aged 19 to 25 were inside when police arrived.

Cpl. Dennis Hwang said the illegal lounge found Sunday was “far more elaborate” than another one discovered a month ago.

“Safety risks [include] attracting the criminal element, gambling, potential fire hazards [and] overcrowding, unlicensed liquor service and the potential road safety concerns with possible impaired drivers leaving the unit,” Hwang said.


@ashwadhwani
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca

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About the Author: Ashley Wadhwani-Smith

I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C.
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