Seattle hookah lounge where man was killed will not reopen

The Evangadi hookah lounge, where a man was shot and killed Monday, will not reopen. The decision comes one day after Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes declared the business a Chronic Nuisance property.

The owner, Firew Berjia, agreed to shut down his business permanently rather than go through the time and expense to fight to keep his business open.

In his decision, Barnes cited multiple violations of the Seattle Nightlife Ordinance, which requires businesses to shut down at 2 a.m. unless they have a liquor license with after-hours activity permit. The business also had a number of violent and drug-related incidents at the lounge.

Seattle City Council votes to approve after-hours nightlife ordinance

Back in April, the Seattle City Council voted 6-0 to approve CB 120956, amending regulations for after-hours nightlife lounges. The city now requires the establishment to maintain two security guards, have video surveillance, draft a safety plan, allow entry by police officers during business hours, and stay up-to-date on all city and state permits and licenses.

The new ordinance followed a double murder at another Rainier Valley hookah lounge. According to KIRO 7, Capri Bar off Rainier Avenue South decided to permanently close after receiving a public nuisance order from the city.

“This new law gives city officials real tools to shut down illegal venues tied to gun violence and disorder,” Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson said. “Pair this new law with the dozen bills we’ve passed over the last year, and it sends a clear message: we take our public safety responsibilities seriously.”

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