Exclusive membership the place Prince Harry partied faces closure after ‘intercourse assault on man’

The Met Police have called for interim measures to be imposed on world famous cabaret club The Box, known for its burlesque performances, after an allegation of sexual assault was made by a male customer

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An exclusive London nightclub where Prince Harry once partied is facing the threat of closure after an allegation of sexual assault on a male customer at the venue.

The Box – which has also been frequented by Kate Moss, Rihanna and Cara Delevingne – was branded a “risk to the public” by the Metropolitan Police, which called for interim measures after the incident came to light.

The world famous cabaret club and celeb hangout in Soho did not initially report the allegation to the force despite conditions on the premises licence stating it should have done, according to a report put before Westminster Council.

The Box has a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence, meaning allegations of sexual assault should be reported immediately to the police. The venue contacted their licensing consultant who advised the club to call police, the report stated.

Police reviewed footage and said it was “clear” the premises had breached a number of conditions, including in relation to recording keeping and code of conduct.

The report read: “Due to the seriousness of this offence, the delayed action by the venue and the risk to further customers the police believe the premises have significantly failed to uphold the crime and disorder and public safety licensing objectives.

“It is therefore believed that the premises is therefore a risk to the public and it is necessary to suspend the licence until the full hearing.”

Westminster council has placed further conditions on the venue’s licence ahead of a full review on February 25. If councillors decide to strip The Box of its licence, it will be unable to serve alcohol or put on sexually explicit shows.

Since opening in Walker’s Court in 2011, The Box has become known for its strict door policy and unconventional, explicit late night live performances.

It has a sister venue in New York and attracts a mix of celebrities and industry figures, drawn by its reputation for secrecy and spectacle rather than conventional nightclub dancing.

Previous acts are said to have included simulated threesomes, men dressed as pigs licking food off strippers, entertainers defecating on stage and a performer named “Laqueefa” who played well-known tunes with her genitalia.

It is also used for events, with fashion houses and singers hosting private parties there. Last year, Usher held exclusive after-party performances at The Box to celebrate his sold-out O2 Arena residency.

Documents published by Westminster Council read: “The venue has the benefit of a SEV [Sexual Entertainment Venue] Licence and as such there are a number of conditions they need to adhere to when this is in operation.

“Having reviewed the footage it is clear that the premises has breached a number of conditions. There are also a number of conditions breached in relation to the records kept and the code of conduct.”

A Met Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating an allegation of a serious sexual assault of a man at a nightclub on Walker’s Court, Soho, on Thursday, January 22. The investigation into this offence continues, and no arrests have been made at this stage.

“Following the incident, we made an application to Westminster Council to suspend The Box Soho’s licence.

“This application was made on the grounds of crime and disorder and public safety, over concerns about the venue’s ability to fulfil its obligations to protect its customers in relation to safeguarding.

“On Tuesday, February 3, Westminster Council made modifications to the venue’s licence ahead of a full hearing on Wednesday, 25 February.

“Our licensing team will monitor compliance with the venue’s licence carefully, including any new assurances given, to ensure they have the intended effect for the benefit of customers and the local community.”

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