Boujis’ nightclub licence suspended after major disorder

01 Jan 2018

Licensing

The Metropolitan Police brought an application for summary review under s.53A of the Licensing Act 2003 on the basis of serious disorder, after 16 police units were called to deal with a large fight taking place outside the premises after 1am on Sunday 25th October. It is thought the fight started after a customer who had just been ejected from the club made an anti-Semitic remark towards customers in the smoking area outside the premises. Video footage played to the Committee showed at least 16 people involved, with the violence spilling out onto the road.

Boujis, which advertises itself as the private members’ club of choice for international VIPs, aristocracy, and London’s elite, offered (without objection by the police) to close its doors voluntarily until 9 November and then to reopen serving alcohol until 2am (normally 3am) each day until the final review was heard. This was imposed on the club as a suspension by the sub-committee together with conditions including a ban on under 21yr olds at the premises. The sub-committee considered these interim steps were necessary to promote the licensing objectives.

The suspension means that the club will be closed for events around Halloween and Bonfire night.

Asitha Ranatunga represented the Metropolitan Police. Asitha, a member of the Cornerstone Licensing Team, is recommended as a leading junior in licensing in the current editions of both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.