Shareholders take control of Penicillin Shanghai
The co-founders of Penicillin in Shanghai, Agung and Laura Prabowo, have claimed that “certain local shareholders” have taken control of the bar without proper authorisation.
The bar posted a statement on Instagram, which reads: “Since 8 December, certain local shareholders have, without proper authorisation, assumed control of the Penicillin Shanghai venue and intervened in its personnel, financial, and operational management.
“The situations that have occurred at the Shanghai location do not represent Penicillin’s standards, brand position, or quality, nor do they align with Penicillin’s brand vision or original intentions. Such actions run counter to the principles of healthy industry development and violate the spirit of contractual obligations.
“What we wish to convey to all our guests – both long-time regulars and new friends – is this: Penicillin remains committed to its core values and service philosophy, and we deeply value the trust and support of every guest, industry friend, and partner.
“We hereby express our serious objection to these developments and are actively pursuing lawful and compliant measures to ensure that operations are restored to their proper and intended course as soon as possible.”
The Spirits Business has reached out to Penicillin for further details.
The first Penicillin bar opened in Hong Kong in 2020, becoming the city’s first closed-loop bar.
The Prabowos opened the Shanghai site in May 2025.
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