Westminster Council's Licensing Sub-Committee (2) met on Friday 15 November 2024 and decided to suspend the licence of the Heaven Nightclub. This followed an expedited review requested by the Metropolitan Police who considered the premises to be associated with serious crime. The full review of the licence will take place within 28 days of the Police’s application.

Heaven Nightclub, 10A The Arches, WC2N 6NG

The committee considered a report from the Metropolitan Police which stated that the Heaven Nightclub, 10A The Arches, WC2N 6NG was associated with serious crime.

The licence holder, Heaven (London) Limited, was represented at the meeting.

The sub-committee heard evidence from the Metropolitan Police and the licence holder.

The committee decided to suspend the licence with immediate effect. In the published minutes of the meeting, the committee said:

This was a serious matter for the Committee to consider and it is not the Committee’s role to consider whether the doorman suspected of rape is innocent or guilty. However, it is imperative and goes without saying that a licence holder must have the necessary safeguards in place to ensure the safe welfare of the public at all times as well as full compliance with the licence conditions so that the licensing objectives are not undermined.

The committee also noted a number of specific concerns:

The head of security is suspended, and this premises is noted by the MPS as the highest crime generator in the Borough. There are concerns that vulnerable persons are at risk. Turning away 150 to 200 people from the premises for being drunk requires more staff or a management policy to ensure their safety. This currently does not appear to exist.

The committee acknowledged that the club was important to the LGBTQ+ community and that the operator had good intentions. They said:

We recognise the importance of this venue to the whole community, and its historic and ongoing role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. We also recognise the good intentions of the operator. We would like to see Heaven succeed and improve its management practices.

A full review of the licence will be heard within 28 days of the police's application to review the licence.