London’s iconic LGBTQIA+ club Heaven has had its appeal against a 28-day license suspension rejected by Westminster Council. The suspension, implemented after a security guard was charged with rape, follows a police designation of the venue as a “high crime generator”. During the hearing, Heaven’s owner, Jeremy Joseph, argued that increased reporting of incidents by staff should be seen positively, as it reflects proactive safety measures.

The suspension was triggered by the arrest of bouncer Morenikeji Adewole, charged with raping an 18-year-old woman nearby on November 1st. Joseph, saddened by the event, mentioned that the head of security has been dismissed following the incident, and new, vetted staff have been hired. Despite these efforts, council members upheld the suspension due to significant incident reports, including sexual assaults and public order issues, which the police claim have been frequent since May.

Joseph insisted that the reported incidents should be viewed in the context of the club’s size and willingness to report crimes. He stated that they had responded to incidents responsibly, like stopping individuals with weapons and alerting authorities when necessary. Meanwhile, former night czar Amy Lamé expressed concerns over perceived double standards and institutional bias against the LGBTQIA+ community following the council’s decision.

Heaven, a longstanding venue in London’s West End, has been a cultural staple for the LGBTQIA+ community but recently faced scrutiny due to rising crime reports which the police attribute to its vibrancy and size. The venue’s current challenges arise following a serious security incident, leading to a suspension perceived by many as unfair targeting. As the club prepares for a full licensing hearing in December, the broader implications of this case on community venues continue to be under discussion.

Heaven’s ongoing struggles highlight the tension between community safety and the operational realities of nightlife venues. The rejection of the appeal signifies potential repercussions for similar establishments, raising questions about the consistency of law enforcement practices and support for LGBTQIA+ spaces. As the full licensing hearing approaches, all eyes will remain on the club and its future operations amidst broader societal discourse regarding safety and discrimination.

Original Source: ra.co

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