Club Maya shut for three months after assault

A central London nightclub that refused to close to let police gather evidence after a serious assault has been ordered to shut its doors for three months.

The designated premises supervisor (DPS) of Club Maya in Dean Street, W1, was also ordered to be removed at a licensing committee hearing.

Westminster City Council said the club had come to police attention "a number of times", including for an attack where four customers were struck with bottles.

The venue "refused" to close after one incident that required a 17 year-old to have 27 stitches in hospital.

Licensing committee chair cllr Jean-Paul Floru said: "While next door bleeding victims were carried off by ambulance, the staff mopped up the crime scene and dancing continued.

"They let go of a suspect and the manager refused to close the club when the police tried to gather evidence. 

"This is an astonishing example of irresponsible management which put the public in danger and prevented the police from carrying out their duties.

"This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Westminster. We will be holding a full review into this premises shortly to decide on its future."

Inspector Neil Acheson of the Metropolitan Police Licensing Unit said: "This closure is an excellent result and sends a powerful message to clubs that fail to take seriously the health and safety of their staff and customers.

"It is also a reminder to licensed premises on the importance on acting upon proportional advice from police."

Police asked for the venue to close for at least 14 days for new systems and procedures to be put in place.

But the licensing committee went further, ordering a three-month closure and the removal of the DPS.

A full review of the premises licence is due on 30 September.

The venue declined to comment.