Sadiq Khan's ex-night czar says shutting of gay nightclub after rape claim is subject of 'institutional homophobia'
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The former London night czar Amy Lamé has issued a warning over the closure of a LGBTQ+ club after a bouncer was accused of rape.
Westminster Council’s licensing committee ruled on Friday that the alcohol licence in Heaven in Charing Cross, should be suspended for up to 28 days after a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue in the early hours of November 1.
A member of security staff was arrested and has been charged with rape, the force said. He is on remand in prison.
Morenikeji Adewole, 47, of Dunlop Close, Dartford, also known as Olu Julius or Olusolu Alabi, was charged with rape on Wednesday, the Met Police said.
Amy Lamé has criticised the closure of the venue
PA
Lamé took to social media to express concerns over the decision made by the council.
She wrote on Instagram: "Westminster Council, supported by the Met Police, has taken the decision to close Heaven, the UK’s longest running and historically important LGBTQ+ nightclub, due to grave safety issues which the venue must work urgently to address. My thoughts and heart is with the victim of this heinous crime.
"However I am concerned our community is being held to double standards, targeted by institutional homophobia and legally questionable interpretation of licensing regulations.
"I have worked my whole life for LGBTQ+ equality and ending violence against women and girls. I am a survivor myself, and speak from lived experience. This is a complicated and complex situation, and solutions will only be found through working together in partnership."
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Heaven Nightclub
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Her comments were slammed by leader of the City Hall Conservatives Neil Garratt, who wrote on X: "Absolutely disgusting response from our disgraced ex-Night Czar, Lame Amy.
"Trying to make herself to be the victim, when there is a very clear victim who deserves everyone’s utmost sympathy. What an appalling response to a human tragedy."
Lamé, who had been London's Night Czar since 2016, stepped down from her role in October, stating that it had been "a real privilege to serve Londoners" and be appointed to the first role of its kind in Britain.
Questions had been raised about the size of her salary, which rose this year to £132,846, and whether she had the necessary powers to make a meaningful difference to London’s nightlife, particularly given that licensing decisions remain in the hands of borough councils. It remains unknown if she will be replaced in her role.
Heaven’s owner Jeremy Joseph posted on Instagram saying they are considering their position with regard to an appeal.
The post added: "We are sickened by this allegation but can’t comment as it’s an ongoing criminal investigation.
"We can only send our thoughts to the alleged victim."
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