Heaven nightclub “loses fight” to reopen as licensing hearing is told details of alleged rape

Heaven nightclub in London has been ordered to remain closed until a full licensing hearing next month, following allegations of rape by a bouncer. The decision came after a four-and-a-half-hour meeting where the club challenged an interim suspension. Westminster City Council decided that reopening the club without addressing police concerns would endanger public safety.

The Metropolitan Police had requested the club remain shut until the full hearing, proposing conditions like reduced hours and capacity, and the use of body-worn cameras. Gary Grant, representing the Met, described the alleged rape as a severe breach of trust, highlighting the club’s failure to monitor its staff adequately.

The suspect, Morenikeji Adewole, allegedly used a fake name and had no right to work in the UK. The police expressed doubts about the club’s ability to implement necessary changes quickly. Jeremy Joseph, the club’s licence holder, expressed shock and offered to enhance security measures and discipline staff.

The club’s licence was revoked for 28 days, with the full hearing scheduled for December. The alleged victim reported the incident to the police the next day, leading to Adewole’s arrest and charge of rape. The Met Police also cited a previous incident involving the club’s security staff assaulting a customer.