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One of London’s most popular nightclubs, Heaven, has been forced to shut after a member of its security staff was charged with rape. The world-famous gay club had its licence suspended for 28 days at an emergency hearing at Westminster council on Friday (November 15).
The Metropolitan Police told the hearing that a woman was assaulted by a bouncer after being refused entry on November 1 and was reportedly ignored by other security workers when she tried to report the assault. A man was arrested for rape on November 11.
Heaven’s owner, Jeremy Joseph, said in a statement: ‘Following an allegation that a security guard sexually assaulted a woman who had been refused entry to Heaven Nightclub, Westminster Council has suspended Heaven’s premises licence which means we have to close until further notice
‘We are considering our position with regard to an appeal.
‘We are sickened by this allegation but can’t comment as it’s ongoing criminal investigation. We can only send our thoughts to the alleged victim.
‘Our priority is to put new procedures in place to make sure nothing like this can happen again and gain the confidence of the Council as we move forward.’
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A spokesperson for Westminster council said: ‘We recognise this venue’s cultural significance but the committee agreed this step is necessary to prevent serious crime and protect the public.’
The investigation is ongoing and there will be a full licencing hearing in December.
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