Groucho Club Granted Reopening After License Review Triggered by Alleged Rape

The Groucho Club in London is set to resume operations after its operating license underwent scrutiny due to an alleged rape that occurred on its property. Westminster Council had previously mandated the closure of the private members’ club, located in Soho, at the police’s behest, after allegations surfaced regarding a “recent serious criminal offence” committed at the venue on November 13. On Wednesday, the council’s licensing committee examined the club’s license and granted permission for its reopening, contingent upon specific conditions established in agreement with the police. A spokesperson for the club informed the committee of their sympathy for the alleged victim and their commitment to collaborating with the Met Police to enhance safety measures. A man aged 34, who was apprehended on suspicion of raping a woman at The Groucho Club, has been released on bail until February. The licensing committee stated that the club’s reopening was permissible under new conditions negotiated between the police and Groucho’s management, which include restricting members to bringing a maximum of four guests onto the premises, who must be accompanied by the member at all times. One of the stipulations imposed by the committee mandates that customer toilet facilities undergo checks every 30 minutes. Aziz Toki, the committee chair, described the conditions as “appropriate and proportionate” and confirmed that the club could recommence operations once these requirements were satisfied. Gary Grant, speaking on behalf of the Met Police, articulated three specific concerns the force held regarding the club’s operational practices. He stated, “Firstly, lax procedures on the admission of members and guests and the recording of who was in their premises.” He continued, “Secondly, insufficient welfare training and procedures that required improvement.” His third point was, “Thirdly, the inadequacy of the supervision of the toilet areas.” He further mentioned that “other serious matters” were brought up during a segment of the meeting conducted in the absence of the press and public. Mr. Grant expressed the Met’s conviction that the “robust conditions proposed” would effectively resolve the concerns they had presented. Helen Lederer, a Groucho member for over three decades, characterized the club as a “unique institution” and implored councillors to permit its reopening. She conveyed to the committee, “It is known in London and worldwide. If it goes, it will be a big loss.” Philip Kolvin KC, counsel for the venue, stated: “The Groucho Club has been in existence for almost 40 years and it is the first time that it finds itself under review.” He continued, “It is chastened to be here, it fully understands the seriousness of the situation and the circumstances that brought us here, and obviously it is concerned for the victim of this alleged offence.” He further indicated that the club had collaborated with the Met Police to implement several security enhancements and proposed that the club experienced a “one-off lapse in standards.” The Met has previously clarified that there is no indication of Groucho employees’ involvement in the alleged offence. For additional content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio London via Sounds and connect with BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story proposals may be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. This material is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Details on its external linking policy are available.