A major London nightclub has been forced to close its doors for up to 28 days following an alleged rape of a woman by a member of security staff.
Westminster Council’s licensing hearing ruled for the immediate suspension of Vauxhall venue Heaven’s licence until a full hearing can take place.
The temporary closure, which took effect immediately, came after a Metropolitan Police application citing serious public safety concerns.
The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of November 1 when a woman reported being raped in the vicinity of the venue by a member of the security team.
According to police reports, other staff members at the nightclub allegedly ignored the victim’s attempts to report the attack.
Scotland Yard raised serious concerns about the venue’s response to the incident, leading to their application for licence suspension.
Heaven nightclub in Vauxhall
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The security staff member accused of the assault has been arrested and charged with rape, police confirmed.
The individual is currently being held on remand in prison while awaiting further legal proceedings.
The serious nature of the allegations led to swift action from both law enforcement and licensing authorities.
This incident follows previous security concerns at Heaven, after three members of the venue’s security team were filmed assaulting a customer in the street in May.
The Met Police highlighted these incidents as evidence of serious concerns regarding the venue’s safety protocols.
A Met Police statement emphasised that these events “raise serious concerns about the venues ability to fulfil its obligations to protect its customers, in particular in relation to safeguarding.”
The Met Police confirmed that Westminster Council’s decision followed their application regarding public safety concerns at the venue.
“The decision, which followed an application from the Metropolitan Police, was made on the grounds of public safety,” the Met Police statement read.
The statement emphasised that Heaven will remain closed “from tonight onwards” until a full hearing can be conducted.
The closure reflects mounting concerns over the venue’s ability to maintain adequate safety standards for its patrons.
