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The owner of one London’s most prominent nightclubs says he is dismayed police used many reports they submitted to label it the “highest crime generator” in the West End.
Jeremy Joseph lost an appeal against Westminster Council’s decision to suspend Heaven’s alcohol licence for up to 28 days after a member of security was charged with raping a drunken woman who had been turned away.
Other staff then allegedly ignored the 18-year-old woman’s efforts to report the attack, the Metropolitan Police said.
Mr Joseph is worried the popular LGBTQ+ venue off Villiers Street will not survive as its landlord was trying to increase rent by £320,000 a year.
Police recorded 109 incidents since May - including sex assaults, grievous bodily harm, public order, phone thefts and pickpocketing - among Heaven’s 7,000 revellers a week.
Responding to figures presented at a licensing sub-committee meeting Mr Joseph told the Standard on Wednesday: “We are tackling the issue and increased reporting should be credited, not used against us. They have also said that we must report every crime however small.
“In every meeting we have had with police licensing, they have said they are expecting us to have the highest figures because we are the largest capacity venue.
“For example last Thursday, someone was searched and had a knife on them.
“We held the person and called the police. Although they weren’t arrested, it’s still a reported crime.
“Looking at the list of incidents, of course it looks like a big number but put that against an average of 7,000 customers a week.
“For the past two years, we have begged licensing for police support to help with the gangs on Villiers Street, which was refused.”
Councillors were told on Tuesday: “This premises is noted by the Met as the highest crime generator in the borough.
“There are concerns vulnerable people 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.”
Bouncer Morenikeji Adewole, 47, of Dunlop Close, Dartford – also known as Olu Julius or Olusolu Alabi – was arrested and charged with rape last Wednesday. He is on remand in prison.
A Westminster City Council spokesman said: “Having considered further evidence from both the police and the club management, the council’s licensing committee has decided to continue the suspension of Heaven’s licence.
“A full licensing hearing will now go ahead in December.”
Scotland Yard was approached for further comment.
