The iconic gay nightclub is set to close its doors following an alleged rape of a woman close to the venue earlier this month, this follows an assault on a customer in May
Heaven nightclub will be shut down after police arrested a member of its security staff following rape allegations.
The nightclub will be temporarily shut after a member of its security staff was arrested and charged with rape. The venue, in Charing Cross, is known for having a major influence on London’s LGBT scene.
Westminster Council’s licensing committee ruled the the iconic gay nightclub should have its licence suspended for 28 days until a full hearing can take place. The decision was made following serious allegations were raised about the venue’s ability to protect its customers.
The Metropolitan Police’s Westminster division said in a statement shared to social media: “The hearing heard that in the early hours of Sunday, 1 November a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue by a member of the security staff.
“Other staff then allegedly ignored her efforts to report the attack. A member of the 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 it obligations to protect its customers, in particular in relation to safeguarding.”
The Mirror has contacted Heaven for comment.
The nightclub was first opened in 1979 and soon became a huge fixture in gay LGBT nightlife in the capital. It has a capacity for hundreds of punters and regularly hosts live music.
