In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that Bilal Qayyum—the 31-year-old boss of a controversial shisha bar in Glasgow—was exposed as a convicted sexual predator. Qayyum opened the Quay Lounge in the Tradeston area of the city earlier that year. It was reported that the investigation into his past established he was convicted of sexually assaulting two schoolgirls in a shop in Edinburgh. At the time of the revelation, Qayyum dismissed his criminal history, reportedly stating that the convictions were nothing serious.
The investigation established that the attacks occurred between May and June 2011 at premises in the Newhaven area of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that Qayyum targeted two girls, aged between 13 and 15. The prosecution reported that he pleaded guilty to the assaults in December 2011, resulting in a two-year community payback order and a two-year period on the Sex Offenders Register.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that details of Qayyum’s predatory history emerged during a Glasgow City Council licensing hearing. Police Scotland opposed his application for a 2am food permit for the Quay Lounge, which was filed through his company, Adam Ali Bilal. The investigation established that while Qayyum fancies himself as a bodybuilder and frequently posts selfies online, his “cavalier attitude” toward his sex offence convictions has caused significant concern among licensing authorities and the public.
Judge-led proceedings in Edinburgh resulted in the initial 2011 conviction, but the 2018 hearing in Glasgow focused on his suitability to hold a business licence. For his actions in Edinburgh and his business ventures in Glasgow, Qayyum has remained under the scrutiny of Police Scotland. The judge at his original trial noted the age of the victims, and while his time on the register ended years ago, his history as a sex offender remains a permanent part of the background checks conducted by Police Scotland’s licensing department.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the status of Bilal Qayyum as of April 7, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED (Served community-based sentence; sentenced 2011).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were for 2 years (Expired circa 2013).
- Licensing Status: Subject to police opposition for late-night food permits.
- DBS/PVG Status: Placed on the Barring List (Likely ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual Assault; 2 counts).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court; monitored by Police Scotland Licensing.
- Criminal Record: Targeted two girls aged 13-15; Assaulted victims in a shop; Dismissed crimes as “f*** all” when questioned.
- Origin: Glasgow; offences in Edinburgh.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Qayyum is monitored by Police Scotland’s licensing and public protection units due to his role as a prominent business owner in the Tradeston area. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his targeting of teenage girls and his “dismissive attitude” toward his victims—his suitability to operate venues frequented by the public is a priority. Authorities state that his history of predatory behaviour toward schoolgirls identifies him as a risk that must be balanced against his right to operate a business.
As a convicted sex offender, the 31-year-old’s details remain on the national police database for life, regardless of whether his active registration period has ended. Authorities state that any late-night food permits or liquor licences in Glasgow will be heavily scrutinised to ensure public safety. Any evidence of new predatory behaviour, any suspicious contact with minors at his premises, or any attempt to breach licensing laws will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of sexual aggression.
QUESTION – Given that the offender dismissed his sexual assaults against children as “nothing serious,” do you believe that “Lack of Remorse” should result in a permanent ban from holding any business or liquor licence in the UK?
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