Heaven nightclub closed after security guard accused of rape

Popular gay club Heaven was shut down by the Metropolitan Police after one of its customers reported rape.

The club’s alcohol license was suspended by Westminster Council for up to 28 days, pending a full hearing, following an application by police on public safety grounds.

means suspension Heaven will not be able to open for the next 28 days and may be permanently closed.

At the first hearing on Friday (November 15), the council heard that earlier this month a woman was allegedly raped by Heaven’s security staff near the venue but was ignored by other staff when she tried to report the assault.

The security guard, identified as Morenikeji Adewole from Dartford, was later arrested and charged with rape.

“At the request of the Metropolitan Police and having considered evidence from both the police and the operator, the council’s licensing committee has decided to suspend Heaven’s license for 28 days.” A council spokesman told the BBC:.

“We recognize the cultural significance of this venue but the committee agreed that this step was necessary to prevent serious crime and protect the public. “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 the subject of an ongoing police investigation and we cannot comment further at this stage,” they added.

Metropolitan Police He also issued a statement Addressing the club’s closure, he said it “followed another incident in May in which three members of the venue’s security team were filmed assaulting a customer in the street”, adding that both incidents “raise serious concerns” about the club’s ability to protect customers. .

After stopping, Heaven shared on Instagram They said they were “evaluating their position regarding the appeal.”

The post continued: “We are disturbed by this allegation but are unable to comment as there is an ongoing criminal investigation. We can only direct our thoughts to the alleged victim. “Our priority is to put in place new procedures to make sure nothing like this happens again and to gain the Council’s trust as we move forward.”

Heaven is located off Villiers Street in Charing Cross and has been open since 1979. A haven for the LGBTQ+ community in London.