One of London’s most popular gay nightclubs will temporarily close from this evening after a woman was allegedly raped by a member of security staff.
Heaven nightclub, on Villiers Street, will close temporarily for up to 28 days, following the alleged rape that took place on Friday, November 1, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The security staff member was arrested and was charged with rape and he is on remand in prison.
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Earlier today, a Westminster Council licensing hearing ruled that the licence for Heaven nightclub off Villiers Street should be suspended for up to 28 days, until a full hearing can take place.
‘This will take effect immediately meaning Heaven will not open from tonight onwards.
‘The decision, which followed an application from the Metropolitan Police, was made on the grounds of public safety.
‘The hearing heard that in the early hours of Friday, 1 November a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue by a member of security staff. Other staff then allegedly ignored her efforts to report the attack.
‘A member of security staff was arrested and has since been charged with rape. He is on remand in prison.
‘It follows another incident in May when three members of the venue’s security team were filmed assaulting a customer in the street.
‘These incidents raise serious concerns about the venue’s ability to fulfil its obligations to protect its customers, in particular in relation to safeguarding.’
Heaven nightclub said in a statement: ‘Following an allegation that a security guard sexually assaulted a woman who had been refused entry to Heaven nightclub, Westminster Council has suspended Heaven’s premises licence which means we have to close until further notice.
‘We are considering our position with regard to an appeal.
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‘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.
‘We cannot comment further at the moment but will update soon.’
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