Tiki bar in Manchester has its license stripped after operating as nightclub
Mahiki was found to be operating as a nightclub twice during the summer, with 'no efforts being made to ensure social distancing or take customer details for tracing'.
A tiki-style bar in the city centre has had its license stripped by Manchester City Council after it was discovered the venue was operating as a nightclub.
Mahiki, on Central Street near St Peter’s Square and Albert Square, had received multiple warnings about its refusal to adhere to COVID regulations.
The bar apparently assured the council that it would establish a one-way system, lower music volume and enforce a ban on dancing.
But, according to Manchester City Council, ‘it became apparent that the owner had no intention of enforcing any of these precautions.’
Mahiki was found to be operating as a nightclub on two separate occasions during the summer, with ‘no efforts being made to ensure social distancing or take customer details for tracing’.
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Central Street / Google Street View
Earlier this week, Mahiki was officially stripped of its licence, prohibiting it from serving alcohol to the public.
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council, said: “Sadly, in the case of Mahiki it was clear its owner had zero interest in doing what was not only expected by us, but what was the morally correct thing to do.
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“We do not like to bring the hammer down as we want to be a Council that works with venues to resolve issues amicably. However, in this case we had no choice. A summary licensing review is a tool we use in only the most serious of circumstances, and stripping a venue of its licence is not something we do with any pleasure.
“But, we have to make clear that the safety of Manchester residents is paramount and we will take any steps necessary to ensure that.”
Superintendent Chris Hill, of Greater Manchester Police, said that the case of Mahiki should serve as a warning to other venues that refuse to comply with regulations.
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“The health and safety of our communities is our priority and unfortunately in this case, the business continued to flout the rules we had in place,” he added.
“We will not hesitate to take action against businesses putting the health and welfare of their customers and their own staff at risk, and we will use our powers and legislation to the full to ensure premises are operating safely.”
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‘Selling pics of my arse is fun’ – Kate Nash defends using OnlyFans to pay for her UK tour
Thomas Melia
London-born singer Kate Nash has released a statement addressing those who have been commenting on her selling photos of her bum online to fund her new live shows.
Nash, who’s certified her position in UK pop culture with her timeless hit ‘Foundations’, has taken to social media to explain her situation in more detail.
“Don’t be ‘sad’ I started OnlyFans to fund my tours”, the 37-year-old opens in her statement before following up with, “It’s very empowering”.
2008’s winner of Best Female Artist at the BRITs has never been shy of speaking up about issues while in the limelight. Recently, she let her drummer Maxie reveal their top surgery in front of thousands of people onstage at Glastonbury.
In 2013, Kate Nash became the global ambassador for the ‘Because I Am A Girl’ movement which is set up to address the issue of gender discrimination across the world.
She has also been open about her mental health struggles and doesn’t hide the fact she struggles with anxiety and mild OCD, the latter initiated by her extensive touring schedule in 2008.
Her currentlive shows, which she is currently in the middle of, even reinforce her current OnlyFans jolt titled the ‘Butts For Buses Tour’ – cheeky!
The star isn’t taking herself too seriously either, posting to social media in a neon pink lingerie, writing ‘Bum’s gone viral lol, goin on stage now bit busy soz xoxo’.
Many artists have spoken out about this issue including indie pop-rocker Rachel Chinouriri and breakthrough rapper Little Simz, who both cancelled their US string of live shows due to the overwhelming costs of touring.
Nash, who is performing in Manchester tonight (Tuesday, 26 November), also wrote: “My arse is shining a light on the problem”, as tour expenses are growing more and more every day.
Fair play. Anyone who sees their arse – pun very much intended – over this clearly eats too many lemons because they’re just so bitter.
The UK singer’s latest album 9 Sad Symphonies released this summer and marks the fifth studio album for the indie-pop staple, fans and concertgoers alike can expect to hear these songs among all the hits on her current setlist.
Kate Nash is performing at New Century Hall in Manchester tonight and if you’re a fan of the British noughties favourites, there are still a few tickets.
Man arrested after damaging tributes left for Manchester Arena attack victims
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested after causing criminal damage around the Manchester Victoria area yesterday afternoon.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports of a man damaging property around the AO Arena car park at around 3:40pm yesterday (24 November) – including breaking glass and a traffic cone.
Not long after this, damage was then reported to some of the tributes left for victims of the Manchester Arena attack.
Officers from GMP’s City Centre divison responded to the reports, and a 20-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary.
He remains in custody for questioning at this time.
If you are visiting the @AOArena to see @DisneyOnIceUK and you see something that does not feel right. Report this to staff who are specially trained to deal with the matter.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) November 25, 2024
Following the arrest, the damaged items were cleaned up and the area was “respectfully tidied”, GMP confirmed, while relatives of victims of the attack have been contacted by officers regarding the nature of the incident.
GMP is now appealing to the public for information, and for any witnesses to come forward and assist with ongoing investigations.
“Criminal damage and behaviour that disrupts the lives of people going about their daily business is never acceptable,” commented Detective Superintendent Sarah Harris, from GMP’s Manchester district. “And the fact that this incident involved damage to tributes to victims of the arena attack is particularly disgusting, and is something that we have zero tolerance for.
“I want to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances and I am glad a quick arrest was made.
“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with our work and enquires are ongoing.
If you saw anything or believe you may have information that could assist the investigation, you can contact police via 101, or by heading to gmp.police.uk quoting log 2049 of 24/11/24.
The Manc -
3rd September 2020 
