Heaven Nightclub Reopens with Enhanced Safety Measures After Licence Suspension

London’s iconic gay nightclub, Heaven, has narrowly avoided permanent closure following a serious incident involving a security guard and an 18-year-old patron. Heaven nightclub reopens after the club’s licence was suspended in November 2024 after the alleged assault, prompting concerns about its future. However, Westminster City Council has decided to reinstate the licence under stringent new conditions to ensure patron safety.

The incident in question occurred on 1st November 2024, when a security guard allegedly assaulted a young woman who had been waiting in the club’s queue. The Metropolitan Police reported that the victim was removed from the queue and subsequently attacked in a nearby vehicle. Following the incident, the victim’s attempt to report the assault to the club’s head of security was met with a request to return the next day, and no immediate report was made to the police. The accused security guard was later arrested and charged with rape.

In response to the incident, the Met Police applied for an expedited licence review, citing Heaven as a significant crime generator in the borough, with 109 reported incidents over a 16-month period. As Heaven nightclub reopens despite these concerns, the police acknowledged the club’s cultural importance to the LGBTQIA+ community and did not seek its permanent closure. Instead, they proposed a series of conditions aimed at enhancing security and protecting vulnerable patrons.

Westminster City Council’s licensing committee agreed to lift the suspension, allowing Heaven to reopen under the following conditions:

• Last Entry Time: Patrons must enter the club by 3 am to reduce late-night vulnerabilities.
• Queue Management: A ban on consuming alcohol while queuing to maintain order and safety.
• Enhanced Security Measures: Implementation of rigorous security protocols, including thorough background checks and training for security staff.

Councillor Maggie Carman emphasised the council’s commitment to public safety, stating, “The horrific and traumatic incident suffered by the victim has been at the forefront of our considerations. The agreed conditions mark a turning point for a venue that provides an important service to everyone, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Heaven’s management expressed deep regret over the incident, stating they were “appalled” by the actions of the security guard, who had used a forged licence to gain employment. The club has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and is committed to implementing the new safety measures to prevent future incidents.

This development comes amid a challenging period for London’s nightlife, with several venues facing closure due to various issues. The preservation of Heaven, a staple of the city’s LGBTQIA+ scene since 1979, is seen as a positive outcome for the community.

For more information on licensing regulations and public safety measures for nightlife venues, visit the UK Government’s Licensing Authority.

For more updates on London’s nightlife and further insights, visit EyeOnLondon.