Former cafe owner Lauren Vida Norris faces charges for trafficking dangerous drugs

The sister of a local politician was listed for a mention to face charges for trafficking dangerous drugs in Brisbane’s District Court this week.

The cafe is popular in Loganholme. Pictures: Facebook

The owner of a popular Logan cafe was listed to appear in the Brisbane District Court this week to face drug trafficking charges.

The case of former owner and manager of Loganholme’s popular Happy Dayz Cafe, on Ascot Dr, Lauren Vida Norris, 36, was mentioned in court on Tuesday, August 22.

In October, she was ordered to face Brisbane District Court on trafficking in dangerous drugs charges for the period between July 6, 2021 and December 1, 2021.

Ms Norris, sister of Logan City councillor Mindy Russell, told customers that she had sold the cafe business in May “due to health and family”.

Cr Russell has no involvement in the court proceedings. No one else attached to Happy Dayz is subject to charges.

A May Facebook post announcing the sale of the Happy Dayz Cafe.

Loyal customers were alerted to changes at the cafe on May 15, when the Happy Dayz Facebook page announced the business had been sold.

“As some, or most, of you are aware, we have sold the cafe,” the notice said.

“(This is a bittersweet moment for us all, I’m sure.)

“Over the next couple of weeks the transition of new ownership will take place!!

“Although this has been an amazing two years for us, due to health and family it is not a task we can keep up with.

“Thankfully, we have some amazing new owners!!

A post from Councillor Mindy Russell about her sister Lauren Norris who bought the Happy Dayz Cafe.

“The new owners plan on keeping Happy Dayz almost the same, but they will be adding to the menu, adding their experience and I’m sure some much-needed organisation.

“We are going to miss all of the beautiful faces we have grown to know and love.

“There are some life-long bonds that have been formed while working at Happy Dayz and for that we will be forever thankful.

“We will make sure everyone knows when our last day is so we can say our proper goodbyes, although I’m positive we will still see you all around our beautiful community.”

Customers, who did not want to be named, said the cafe had often been closed on and off over the past 18 months.