Police arrested more than 50 people at a birthday party in an unlicensed hookah lounge in New Jersey

PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) – Police have arrested more than 50 people in an unlicensed hookah lounge in New Jersey.

The people were packed into ‘La Cafe’ in Paterson on Saturday night for a birthday party.

READ ALSO | Authorities shut down illegal club with 160 people in it

The invitations instructed people to bring masks, but officers said no one was wearing one.

Police accused the owners of locking the doors to try to sneak alcohol out the back.

Police seized 8 hookahs and various hookah accessories, as well as bottles of alcohol and card sets from the establishment.

Officials report there were no fire alarms in the lounge.

READ ALSO | Police are breaking up a private swingers party with 80 people inside

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