Heaven shut for 28 days
License suspended after security guard charged with rape.
London’s most prominent gay nightclub, Heaven, has been forced to close after a member of security was charged with rape, the Metropolitan Police said.
Westminster City Council’s licensing committee ruled that Heaven’s alcohol license should be suspended for 28 days after an alleged rape in the vicinity of the venue on Friday 1st November.
The 28-day suspension started on last Wednesday, and will last until the full hearing, due to take place no later than Wednesday 11th December. A man was charged on Wednesday 13th November in relation to the crime, according to the Met.
A Westminster Council spokesperson said: “Following a request from the Metropolitan Police and considering evidence from both the police and the operator, the council’s licensing committee has decided to suspend Heaven’s licence for 28 days.
“We recognise this venue’s cultural significance, but the committee agreed this step is necessary to and 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.”
Heaven’s owner Jeremy Joseph said the club was considering its position with regards to an appeal, according to his Instagram page.
