UPDATE: As of 7th December 2024 Heaven is now open.
After the suspension of its alcohol licence and subsequent closure following an alleged rape in the vicinity by a member of their security team on November 1 2024, G-A-Y Heaven is open again. On December 6, there was a hearing following the licence suspension, and permission was given to re-open.
According to the Evening Standard, strict new conditions have been imposed on the venue, including “‘last entry’ of 3am, a ban on queue drinking and revamped security.”
Story posted 16 November 2024:
The Metropolitan Police said that they made a request to Westminster City Council to suspend Heaven’s license following a report to them by a member of the public that they had been raped by one of the club’s security team.
The alleged sexual assault took place in the early hours of Friday 1 November in the vicinity of Heaven nightclub and was reported to police. A member of Heaven’s security team has subsequently been arrested and charged. They are being held on remand in prison.
The incident and Heaven’s closure has been reported in much of the press, including The Guardian.
The council held an extraordinary licensing hearing at the request of the Metropolitan Police. At the hearing they were told that other staff allegedly ignored her when the woman tried to report the attack.
Commenting on their decision, Westminster City Council said, “We recognise this venue’s cultural significance, but the committee agreed this step is necessary to prevent serious crime and protect the public.”
Westminster City council continued, “A full licensing hearing will be held in December where both the police and venue management will have the opportunity to present new evidence.”
Venue owner Jeremy Joseph announced the venue’s closure “until further notice” on Heaven’s Facebook social media account.
Jeremy Joseph posted, “We are considering our position with regard to an appeal.” He added, “We are sickened by this allegation”, but because there is an ongoing police investigation, “We can only send our thoughts to the alleged victim”.
Westminster City Council’s 28-day suspension of the license started on November 13 and lasts until the full hearing, which must occur on or before December 11, 2024.
Check G-A-Y socials for latest update.
