Heaven nightclub shut down after member of staff arrested and charged with rape

nme.com:

pic.twitter.com/n5Azw3Ur6A— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) November 15, 2024Westminster Police note that there was a previous incident in May when three members of the club’s security team were filmed assaulting a customer in the street.“These incidents raise serious concerns about the venue’s ability to fulfil its obligations to protect its customers, in particular in relation to safeguarding,” the police statement concluded.The decision to suspend the licence was made by Westminster Council’s licensing committee, and it will remain suspended “until a full hearing can take place”.A post shared by G-A-Y & Heaven Nightclub (@heavenlgbtclub)The venue has posted on their Instagram that they are “considering our position with regard to an appeal.”“We are sickened by this allegation but can’t comment as it’s an 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 & gain the confidence of the Council as we move forward”.A spokesperson for the council told the BBC: “We recognise this venue’s cultural significance but the committee agreed this step is necessary to prevent serious crime and protect the public.“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.”Heaven opened in 1979 and became an influential part of London’s LGBTQIA+ scene, hosting the long-running club night G-A-Y.