The Mistress of Mayfair, a high-end restaurant and nightclub in St James's Street, has had its licence suspended following an emergency hearing after a man's throat was slashed, leaving an 8cm wound.
Emergency Hearing and Police Concerns
The licence holders appeared before Westminster City Council's Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday, August 17. The Metropolitan Police called for the interim hearing, arguing the venue was “associated with serious crime”.
The attack occurred at the venue on Monday, August 10. Rhys Copas suffered an 8cm wound from his left ear to the middle of his throat, as well as two wounds to his cheeks. His jugular was severed, nerves damaged, and his voice box exposed, according to the prosecution. Lucci Guthrie, 28, has been charged with attempted murder.
Alleged Failings and Charges
In the application for interim measures, Superintendent Natasha Evans stated that attempted murder was “one of the most serious offences known to law”. She wrote: “In light of the extreme seriousness of the incident, the ongoing risks posed to the public, and the apparent failings in the operations and management of the premises, I have no confidence that the premises can continue to operate without undermining the licensing objectives.”
Superintendent Evans added that staff had failed to comply with a condition to scan all customers' ID upon entry, meaning the identity of the suspect and potential witnesses were not recorded. She requested the council suspend the licence as an interim step pending a later summary review hearing.
Following the hearing, councillors decided to temporarily suspend the venue's licence until a full hearing could take place.
Court Details and Victim's Condition
At Hendon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 12, prosecutor Manisha Kukadia said Guthrie approached Mr Copas “in regards to being in (the) nightclub”. Mr Copas was dating the former partner of the defendant, the court heard. Ms Kukadia said: “The complainant has slapped the defendant to the face and the defendant has then slashed his neck, his throat area and his face.”
Mr Copas suffered significant blood loss but is currently in a stable condition. Guthrie will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 9.
Further Concerns and Next Steps
The Met Police also raised other concerns about the venue's management. Superintendent Evans wrote that “the management of customers within the premises was wholly inadequate during and immediately after the incident”. Two individuals were arrested for allegedly obstructing police, and officers had to deploy PAVA spray to control the situation. Security officers also failed to try and detain the suspect.
Legal counsel for the venue said the licence holder would respond to the allegations in full at the summary licensing hearing to be held in 28 days. She said her client accepted the police's decision to call for the temporary removal of the venue's licence if the council saw fit to implement this.
