Groucho Club in London is to reopen in January following rape allegations. The membership’s license was suspended last month while police investigated the allegations.
Artfarm, a hospitality company founded in 2014 by Hauser & Wirth dealers Iwan and Manuela Wirth, has owned a majority stake in the club for the past two years. The company reportedly paid $50 million for a stake in the establishment, which is frequented by A-list stars. Groucho operates separately from other businesses owned by Artfarm, which include Audley in Mayfair, the Fife Arms in Scotland and venues in Bruton, Somerset.
Police are investigating a “serious criminal offense” allegedly committed at the venue on November 13 and Groucho’s license is under review. A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape. He has reportedly been released on bail until February.
At the request of the Metropolitan Police, Westminster Parliament suspended Groucho’s driving license for 28 days on November 26. At Wednesday’s licensing committee meeting, the club was given its license back on condition that steps be taken to improve safety.
this British Broadcasting Corporation According to the report, the committee said that “new conditions agreed between the police and Groucho’s management mean that clubs can reopen as long as members are limited to inviting four guests to the premises and accompanying them at all times.” In addition, customers Toilets must also be checked every half hour.
according to British Broadcasting CorporationOn Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police cited three concerns about the way the club was being run. They had “lax procedures in place for the admission of members and guests and the recording of people on their premises”; “welfare training and procedures were inadequate and needed improvement”; and “inadequate supervision of toilet areas”.
Police reportedly said “other serious concerns” had been raised.
A spokesman for Groucho told The Art Newspaper: “We have been working closely with the police and Westminster City Council over the past few weeks and we are pleased that the suspension of our driving license has been lifted.”
They added: “We would like to thank our members and staff for their continued patience and support and thank the Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council for their partnership. “We look forward to welcoming members and guests back on January 10 to the Groucho Club when it reopens after its usual Christmas closure.”
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