One of London’s most prominent nightclubs forced to close after a member of security staff was charged with rape is “the highest crime generator” in the West End, it was heard on Tuesday.
Westminster Council’s licensing committee ruled Heaven’s alcohol licence should be suspended for up to 28 days until a full hearing can take place.
A woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the popular LGBTQ+ venue in the early hours of November 1.
Other staff then allegedly ignored her efforts to report the attack, the Metropolitan Police said.
At a sub-committee meeting on Tuesday morning, owner Jeremy Joseph said Heaven’s head of security was suspended and then sacked.
A new team of doormen and women have been employed and already undergone vetting, he added.
“I’m going to try not to get emotional,” Mr Joseph said as he appealed for the club to stay open pending a review.
“This…has shocked all of us at Heaven.
“We are really devastated by it and it goes against everything we stand for.
“Our thoughts have to go to the victim of this awful crime.
“I’ve never been in this position before.”
But councillors were told: “This premises is noted by the Met as the highest crime generator in the borough.
“There are concerns vulnerable people are at risk. Turning away 150 to 200 people from the premises for being drunk requires more staff or a management policy to ensure their safety.
“This currently does not appear to exist.”
However, they noted the good intentions of Heaven’s owners and a desire for the club to succeed by improving its management practices.
Sadiq Khan’s former night czar Amy Lamé initially called for a “battle” against the decision.
Ex-City Hall official Ms Lamé suggested it was an unfair result of “institutionalised homophobia” and “a legally questionable interpretation of licensing regulations” before backing down amid criticism of her response.
The Standard contacted Mr Joseph for further comment.
At the weekend, he posted on Instagram saying the club are considering their position with regard to an appeal.
He added: “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 and gain the confidence of the council as we move forward.”
A member of security staff was arrested and has been charged with rape, the force said.
Morenikeji Adewole, 47, of Dunlop Close, Dartford – also known as Olu Julius or Olusolu Alabi – was accused last Wednesday. He is on remand in prison.
A Westminster City Council spokesman 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.
“This follows a report of an alleged rape made to police on Friday, November 1.
“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.”
