Soho bar's licence suspended after man allegedly sexually assaulted in bathroom

A cocktail and live music bar located in Soho faced temporary closure after a disturbing incident where a customer claimed to have been orally raped in one of the bar's toilets. The Met Police intervened by shutting down Louche on Greek Street while a comprehensive review of its license was conducted. Additionally, Westminster City Council took swift action by temporarily stopping the sale of alcohol and replacing the current designated premises supervisor. The victim reported that the suspect forcibly entered his cubicle, repeatedly assaulted him, and ultimately coerced him into performing oral sex. Security guards were notified when the victim raised the alarm, but the suspect managed to flee the scene after being taken outside with the victim. Despite the victim's efforts to escape, the assault only came to an end when a passerby heard his cries for help and alerted security personnel. An arrest has been made in connection with the incident, prompting criticism from the Met Police regarding Louche's inadequate response. The security guards' failure to apprehend the suspect immediately and the managerial staff's lack of initiative in contacting the authorities were heavily condemned. This led to concerns about the safety of customers and the public, necessitating the urgent closure of the bar. Representatives from the Met Police highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the bar's owners displayed a lack of responsibility and professionalism in handling the ordeal. Louche's owners defended their actions by attributing part of the blame to their general manager, Patrick, who was reportedly meeting his brother off-site when the incident occurred. However, this excuse was met with skepticism as Patrick appeared unaware of the venue's licensing conditions during subsequent police inquiries. The owners expressed their desire to rectify the situation by implementing stricter security measures and upgrading the CCTV system. They acknowledged the severity of the incident but contended that shutting down the business would jeopardize the livelihoods of their staff. Nonetheless, the council upheld its decision to suspend Louche's license, citing the need to prevent further criminal activity and uphold the licensing objectives. Louche has the option to challenge the ruling, allowing for an interim hearing within 48 hours. In the aftermath of this troubling incident, both the police and the council underlined the importance of maintaining trust in establishments that operate in high-risk areas like Soho. By failing to ensure customer safety and compliance with licensing regulations, Louche's owners have been held accountable for putting public safety at risk. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of irresponsible behavior and the critical need for stringent security protocols in licensed establishments. https://therealcrimediary.com/soho-bars-licence-suspended-after-man-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-in-bathroom/?feed_id=54072&_unique_id=665a9d4c96280

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