London homosexual nightclub Heaven is ready to re-open below strict new circumstances after bouncer is charged with rape
A popular London nightclub has been allowed to remain open after a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue last month.
Heaven, in Charing Cross, was told to close for up to 28 days last month following the alleged rape incident on November 1.
The Met Police said a member of the security team was arrested and charged over an alleged incident that reportedly saw a drunk reveller removed from the queue and ‘preyed upon’ by a bouncer.
Westminster City Council suspended the club’s licence following a request from the police, pending a licensing hearing.
Following that hearing, which took place this week and saw management speak to the club’s record, the suspension has now been lifted.
A spokesperson for the authority said: ‘Having considered all of the evidence presented by Heaven’s management, residents and the Metropolitan Police, the council’s licensing committee have agreed to lift the suspension of the venue’s licence.
‘The committee was satisfied that Heaven’s operators have demonstrated significant improvements to security and stated that appropriate management plans are now in place for the venue to operate safely.’
Heaven, in Charing Cross, was told to close for up to 28 days last month following the alleged rape incident on November 1
A member of the security team was arrested and charged since the incident. Picture: Stock image of Met Police officers
However, councillors have imposed conditions upon the venue so it can remain open.
These include a ‘last entry’ of 3am, a ban on queue drinking and revamped security.
The spokesperson added: ‘Conditions were placed on the licence to include the enhancement of queue management, improve CCTV coverage and the ability to conduct ID checks to ensure public safety.
‘This decision means that the nightclub will be allowed to reopen immediately provided all safety measures are in place.’
According to the Standard, the city council heard how victims of the alleged rape were taken from the club’s ‘very long queue’ while she was drunk and was ‘preyed upon’ by a bouncer.
Lawyer, Gary Grant, representing the Met Police, said the force did not want the venue to close due to its importance to the LGBTQ+ community.
Mr Grant said: ‘What the police have done unapologetically is sought to ensure that the sort of incidents which have led us here will not happen again and the sort of risks to the vulnerable people in that queue are reduced.’
The club said it was ‘appalled’ by the alleged rape, adding that it would continue to work closely with police.
It claimed to have been ‘duped’ by the bouncer’s use of a forged security licence, and that it had not been aware he was not registered.
‘All involved in Heaven are appalled by what occurred and of course gave the police the fullest possible cooperation to bring the offender to justice,’ said Phillip Kolvin KC, representing Heaven.
An earlier incident saw three bouncers beating up a customer on the floor. The trio were later fired.
