The venue, confirmed by Lewisham Council as Doki’s Lounge at 490 New Cross Road (formerly Star & Garter), was ordered to close after police and licensing officers uncovered serious safety failings.
This included two reported sexual assaults inside the premises.
In one case, a survivor reported being intoxicated and lost in Deptford during early hours in July.
They said they were approached by someone who took them into the nightclub, where they were given alcohol and introduced to individuals who later sexually assaulted them in the toilets at around 4am.
The club was only licensed to operate until 1.30am. However, police found it was still open and serving alcohol at the time of the assault which was 4am.
A separate report from June 2024 described another serious incident involving a suspected spiking-related rape that also began at the venue.
The South East Sapphire unit, which supports survivors of sexual violence, is continuing to assist with the investigation.
At a licensing hearing on July 21, Lewisham Council ruled that Doki’s Lounge had breached its licensing conditions and suspended the club’s licence with immediate effect.
A full review will take place in early August to determine whether the suspension will remain in place.
The decision was made in the interest of public safety and to prevent further crime and disorder, particularly violence against women.
We have approached Metropolitan Police for further information.
