Heaven nightclub closed after security guard accused of rape

Popular gay club Heaven has been closed by the Metropolitan Police after one of its patrons reported rape.

The club’s alcohol license has been suspended by Westminster Council for up to 28 days until a full hearing can take place, following a request from police on public safety grounds.

The suspension means Heaven will not be able to open for the next 28 days and may be permanently closed.

At an initial hearing on Friday (November 15), the council heard how a woman was allegedly raped near the site by a member of Heaven’s security staff earlier this month, but was apparently ignored by other staff when she tried to report the attack.

The security guard, identified as Morenikeji Adewole from Dartford, has since been arrested and charged with rape.

“Following a request from the Metropolitan Police and taking into account evidence from both the police and the operator, the council’s licensing committee has decided to suspend Heaven’s license for 28 days,” a spokesperson for the municipality told the BBC.

“We recognize the cultural significance of this location, but the committee agreed that this step is necessary to prevent serious crime and protect the public. A full licensing hearing will take place in December, where both police and site management will have the opportunity to present new evidence.

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

The Metropolitan Police also released a statement addressing the club’s closure, saying it “follows another incident in May when three members of the venue’s security team were filmed assaulting a customer in the street”, adding that both incidents were “serious raising concerns” about the club’s ability to protect customers.

After the suspension is Heaven posted on Instagram to say that they were “considering (their) position regarding an appeal.”

The message continued: “We are sickened by this allegation but cannot comment as it is an ongoing criminal investigation. We can only send our thoughts to the alleged victim. Our priority is to put in place new procedures to ensure something like this cannot happen again and to earn the trust of the Council as we move forward.”

Located on Villiers Street in Charing Cross, Heaven has been open since 1979 and is under consideration a haven for the LGBTQ+ community in London.