Heaven nightclub ‘biggest generator of crime’ in West End before alleged rape, hearing hears

One of London’s biggest nightclubs, forced to close after a security staffer was accused of rape, is the West End’s “biggest generator of crime”, he said. we learned on Tuesday.

Westminster Council’s licensing committee has decided that Heaven’s alcohol license should be suspended for up to 28 days until a full hearing can take place.

An 18-year-old woman was allegedly raped near the popular LGBTQ+ venue in the early hours of November 1.

Other staff then allegedly ignored his efforts to report the attack, the Metropolitan Police said.

At a subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, owner Jeremy Joseph failed to obtain permission for the Villiers Street club to remain open pending a review next month.

He said Sky’s security chief was suspended and later fired.

A new team of doormen and women has been hired and has already been vetted, he added.

“I’ll try not to get emotional,” Mr. Joseph said.

“This…shocked us all in Heaven.

“We are truly devastated by this and it goes against everything we stand for.”

“Our thoughts must go out to the victim of this horrific crime.

“I’ve never been in this position before.”

Police have recorded 109 incidents since May – including sexual assaults, grievous bodily harm, public order, phone thefts and pick-pocketing – among Heaven’s 7,000 weekly party-goers. Bosses have reported many violations themselves.

Councilors were told: “This premises is rated by the Met as the biggest generator of crime in the borough.

“There are fears that vulnerable people are at risk. Refusing premises of 150 to 200 people for drunkenness requires more staff or a management policy to ensure their safety.

“It doesn’t seem to exist currently.”

However, they noted the good intentions of Heaven’s owners and the desire for the club to succeed by improving its management practices.

Sadiq Khan’s former night czar Amy Lamé first called for a “battle” against the shutdown.

Former town hall official Ms Lamé suggested the decision was the unfair result of “institutionalized homophobia” and a “legally questionable interpretation of licensing regulations”, before backing down in the face of criticism from his response.

The Standard has contacted Mr Joseph for further comment.

This weekend he posted on Instagram that the club was considering its position regarding an appeal.

He added: “We are sickened by this allegation but cannot comment as this is an ongoing criminal investigation.

“We can only send our thoughts to the alleged victim.

“Our priority is to put new procedures in place to ensure nothing like this happens again and earn the trust of the council as we move forward.”

A security staff member was arrested and charged with rape, security forces said.

Morenikeji Adewole, 47, of Dunlop Close, Dartford – also known as Olu Julius or Olusolu Alabi – was charged last Wednesday. He is in pre-trial detention.

A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: “Following a request from the Metropolitan Police and taking into account evidence from the police and the operator, the council’s licensing committee has decided to suspend Heaven’s license for 28 days.

“This follows a report of an alleged rape made to police on Friday 1 November.

“This matter is currently the subject of an ongoing police investigation and we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

He added on Tuesday evening: “Having considered further evidence from the police and club management, the council’s licensing committee has decided to uphold the suspension of Heaven’s licence.

“A full permit hearing will be held in December.”