DEPTFORD CLUB LOSES OPERATING LICENSE AFTER SERIOUS OFFENCES REPORTED

This story contains sensitive content that may be distressing to some readers.

A Deptford bar has been shut down by the Police Licensing team with the support of the South East Sapphire unit after reports of serious sexual assaults were found having taken place inside the premises. 

A survivor described being lost and intoxicated in the Deptford area in the early hours in July, they described being approached by someone who took them into a club where they were given alcohol and introduced to their soon-to-be attackers. At around 4am the survivor was taken into the toilets of the club and was sexually assaulted. 

The South East Sapphire unit continues to support the survivor. Lewisham Licensing team established that there had been a 3rd party report of a spiking enabled rape starting at the same venue in June 2024, a year prior to the recent event in the same venue. The licensing team identified a blatant disregard for the licensing conditions of the club. Licensed closing on the night of the sexual assault was at 01:30am, the club advertised that they will be closed at 3am with the attack happening some time around 4am with the premises still open with the service of alcohol. 

A summary review panel took place on the 21st of July which found that the premises was in breach of their operation license. It was agreed that suspension of the premises license was the correct course of action to ensure the prevention of future crime and disorder, specifically reducing violence against women, with a full review to be held in early August.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, help and support is available https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/find-help/