This meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee was to consider whether to confirm, withdraw, or modify the interim suspension of the premises licence for Heaven Nightclub, which had been suspended at a previous meeting.

Heaven Nightclub, 10A The Arches, London, WC2N 6NG

An expedited review of the licence had been requested by the Metropolitan police.

On 1 November 2024 the police received an allegation of rape at the nightclub.

The allegation is that the victim was led away from the club by a member of the security staff, who then had non-consensual sex with her. After the incident, the victim approached a member of staff to report it, but was told she was too drunk and to come back the next day.

This was the second serious incident at the venue in recent months. On 7 May 2024, three members of the security team assaulted a customer in the street. Following that incident, the police raised concerns with the venue about the conduct of a member of staff who was present that night. No action was taken and that staff member was also present during this latest incident.

The police considered that the venue had failed to operate in a safe and responsible manner and had placed the public at significant risk. For these reasons they requested that the Licensing Sub-Committee consider the immediate suspension of the venue’s licence.

At a meeting on 15 November 2024, the Sub-Committee suspended the licence.

On 17 November, the licence holder, Heaven (London) Limited, made representations against the interim suspension.

Under section 53B(6) of the Licensing Act 2003, the Licensing Authority must hold a hearing within 48 hours to consider such representations. This meeting was that hearing, at which the Sub-Committee was required to consider whether the interim steps were appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives, and whether to withdraw or modify the steps taken.