Heaven nightclub's licence suspended after security guard charged with rape

Heaven nightclub’s licence has been suspended for up to 28 days after a security guard working at the venue was accused of rape.

 

Westminster Council’s licensing committee voted to suspend the club’s licence ahead of a full review, which will take place in December.

 

The review had been requested by the Metropolitan Police after a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue by a member of security staff.

 

It has also been claimed that other staff ignored her efforts to report the alleged attack.

 

A member of security staff was arrested and has since been charged with rape. He is on remand in prison.

 

In a statement Westminster Council said: “We recognise this venue’s cultural significance but the committee agreed this step is necessary to protect the public. This follows a report of an alleged rape made to police on Friday, 1 November. 

 

“A full licensing hearing will be held in December where both the police and venue management will have the opportunity to present new evidence.

 

“This case is currently subject of an ongoing police investigation, and we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

 

In a statement Heaven nightclub said it would be closed “until further notice” but was considering whether to appeal the suspension.

 

The venue added that it was “sickened” by the allegation and added: “We can only send our thoughts to the alleged victim.”