London gay nightclub Heaven set to reopen under strict new conditions after bouncer accused of rape

A popular London nightclub has been allowed to remain open after a woman was allegedly raped near the venue last month.

Heaven, in Charing Cross, had to close for up to 28 days last month following the alleged rape incident on November 1.

The Met Police said a member of the security team was arrested and charged over an alleged incident in which a drunk reveler was removed from the queue and “attacked” by a bouncer.

Westminster City Council suspended the club’s license following a police request, pending a license hearing.

Following this hearing, which took place this week and which saw management comment on the club’s results, the suspension has now been lifted.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “Having considered all the evidence presented by Heaven’s management, residents and the Metropolitan Police, the council’s licensing committee has agreed to lift the suspension of the venue’s licence.

“The committee was pleased that Heaven’s operators have demonstrated significant improvements in safety and said appropriate management plans are now in place to keep the site operating safely.”

However, councilors imposed conditions so the venue could remain open.

These include a “last entry” at 3 a.m., a ban on drinking in queues and revamped security.

The spokesperson added: “Conditions have been placed on the license to include improved queue management, improved CCTV coverage and the ability to carry out identity checks to ensure public safety.

“This decision means the nightclub will be allowed to reopen immediately provided all safety measures are in place.”

According to the Standard, the city council heard how the victims of the alleged rape were removed from the club’s “very long queue” while they were drunk and fell “prey” to a bouncer.

Lawyer Gary Grant, representing the Met Police, said police did not want the venue to close because of its importance to the LGBTQ+ community.

Mr Grant said: “What the police have shamelessly done is to ensure that the type of incidents that brought us here will not happen again and that the risks to vulnerable people in this queue are reduced. “

The club said it was “appalled” by the alleged rape, adding it would continue to work closely with police.

She claimed she was “duped” by the bouncer’s use of a fake security permit and did not know it was not registered.

“Everyone involved with Heaven is appalled by what has happened and has of course given the police every possible cooperation to bring the offender to justice,” said Phillip Kolvin KC, representing Heaven.

An earlier incident saw three bouncers beat a customer to the ground. The trio were later fired.