Agenda and minutes

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WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE NO. ( X )

INTERIM STEPS DECISION

Friday 15 November 2024

Membership:           Councillor Maggie Carman, Councillor Angela Piddock and Councillor Caroline Sargent

Expedited Review of a Premises Licence in respect of Heaven Nightclub, 10A The Arches, London WC2N 6NG (“The Premises”)

The Committee has determined an application for review of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 (“The Act”) in respect of Heaven Nightclub, 10A The Arches, London WC2N 6NG

The Metropolitan Police Service (“Police”) submitted an application for a Summary Review of the above Premises pursuant to Section 53A the Act on 13 November 2024 as the Police considered the Premises is associated with serious crime.

The Premises Licence Holder (“PLH”) for the Premises Licence is Heaven (London) Limited.

The Committee recognised that the proceedings set out in the Act for reviewing premises licences represent a key protection for the public when problems associated with serious crime and serious disorder occur. 

The outcome of the review will be determined at the full hearing.  However, today the Committee must determine what steps, if any, are necessary to take pending the full review.

The Act provides the Licensing Authority with powers that it may exercise as specified in the Sub-Committee report.  The Committee has to decide what interim steps are necessary, to address the immediate problems with the Premises, in particular, to prevent the likelihood of serious crime from occurring pending the full review.

Based on the evidence at this hearing we recognise the importance of this venue to the whole community, and its historic and ongoing role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.  We also recognise the good intentions of the operator.

We would like to see Heaven succeed and improve its management practices.

This was a serious matter for the Committee to consider and it is not the Committee’s role to consider whether the doorman suspected of rape is innocent or guilty. However, it is imperative and goes without saying that a licence holder must have the necessary safeguards in place to ensure the safe welfare of the public at all times as well as full compliance with the licence conditions so that the licensing objectives are not undermined.

We note the acceptance from the PLH that Body Worn Video cameras can be worn on a belt and the current DPS is also the owner of the previous Security Company (which has now been replaced). The head of security is suspended, and this premises is noted by the MPS as the highest crime generator in the Borough.

There are concerns that vulnerable persons 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.

Financial issues have been raised which we have considered and have some sympathy with. This has been balanced with the promotion of the licensing objectives, especially the prevention of crime and disorder.

The Committee considers that taking all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.