Gunshots, Gang Activity Lead State to Pull Liquor, Tobacco License at Vape Lounge

MANCHESTER, NH — A local vape lounge has had its license to sell liquor and tobacco revoked by the state of New Hampshire after numerous complaints and police calls to the club, according to Manchester Police. Sixide Vape Lounge at 123 Hanover St. in the Queen City lost its license after an investigation by police, the state of NH Liquor Commission, the city of Manchester Licensing and the city solicitors office that resulted in a petition to the city and state.

“The petitioned alleged that during the six months the club was open, the police department responded to and investigated employees and patrons consuming alcoholic beverages after hours, lewdness, indecent exposure, sales of controlled drugs, loud noise complaints, numerous assaults/fights and reckless conduct resulting gunshots fired in the vicinity of the licensed premises,” Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department said in a press statement.

A city hearing was held in March that addressed the petition filed. The owner of the facility – Randy Guerrero of Manchester – also provided testimony.

“Based on the testimony and exhibits presented, the state hearings officer found it more probable that the gang activity, fights, gunshots and increased calls for service were directly attributable to the patrons of the Sixide establishment with an increase in violence, resulting in revocation of license,” O’Keefe added.

Police, he said, would remain vigilant while dealing with allegedly problematic businesses.

“Sixside Vape Lounge was a one such business and as a result they are no longer operating within our city,” O’Keefe stated. “We will continue to work on quality of life issues and criminal complaints stemming from problematic businesses.”

Credit: Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photography. FrameofMindPhoto.com.