West London Nightclub Faces License Revocation Following Gun Battle During Safety Inspection

A nightclub located in west London is at risk of losing its operating license subsequent to a shootout that occurred precisely as a health and safety officer was present to examine allegations of crime and disorder. David Nevitte reported that he was compelled to take cover behind a vehicle as gunfire was exchanged outside the Ricco Lounge in Kensington on October 13. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), the local licensing authority, had engaged him due to existing safety concerns regarding the establishment. The Metropolitan Police has urged the council to permanently shut down the club. The owner of the establishment, however, stated that numerous assertions made by the Met were incorrect. Mr. Nevitte recounted being involved in what is thought to have been an exchange of gunfire between opposing factions, observing patrons entering and exiting the premises during the early morning hours. The Met Police confirmed an investigation is underway following an altercation that resulted in “the discharge of multiple firearms by multiple people.” According to the force, shots were exchanged across the street in both directions as bystanders sought safety. Although no injuries were reported, several spent bullet casings were discovered in the vicinity. Subsequently, one individual has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and violent disorder. The Met Police indicates that on the night of the event, a taxi driver informed the club’s personnel that a patron had been observed carrying a gun, yet the staff did not contact the police, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The police force asserted that this oversight, combined with the club’s mismanagement, “poor and inadequate searches,” and a “failure to identify obvious risks,” contributed to the outbreak of the fight. A report submitted by the Met to the licensing committee stated that the club’s security guards permitted customers entry without conducting searches, others were admitted without adequate identification verification, and at least one individual presented identification belonging to someone else. Despite a private party being hosted at the establishment, no guest list was maintained. Law enforcement officials reported that it took club managers up to four days to notify them that a customer had been discovered in possession of a firearm. “This lack of action is both shocking and completely unacceptable. A call to police would have prevented the subsequent shooting, which was only 90 minutes away from occurring.“The incident that took place outside Ricco Lounge on the 13 October 2024 was incredibly serious and this cannot be understated.” The report indicates that the force alleges the club is poorly managed and linked to “serious crime and serious disorder.” The establishment has voluntarily ceased operations since the occurrence. Chelsea Event & Entertainment Ltd, the owner, stated that the police report contained “a vast array of factual inaccuracies” and declined to provide further comment until after a licensing meeting scheduled for Monday.