A nightclub in Deptford has been shut down by police after “serious” sexual assaults were reported to have taken place inside the venue.
Lewisham Council held a licensing committee on July 21, in which the license for Doki’s Lounge, previously Star & Garter, on New Cross Road, was suspended.
Police and licensing officers uncovered major safety failings at the venue, including two reported sexual assaults and breaches of licensing conditions.
Doki’s Lounge has been contacted by The Standard for comment.
In one case, a victim reported being drunk and lost in Deptford in the early hours in July, when someone approached them and took them into the nightclub.
They told police how they were then plied with alcohol and introduced to their soon-to-be attackers, before being taken into the toilets of the club and sexually assaulted.
Police identified a “blatant disregard” for the licensing conditions of the club.
Doki’s Lounge was only licensed to operate until 1.30am, but officers found the venue was still open and serving alcohol at the time of the assault, which was around 4am.
Officers from the South East Sapphire unit continue to support the victim.
In a separate incident, police established there had been a report of a spiking-enabled rape starting at the same venue in June 2024 — a year prior to the recent alleged assault.
At a licensing hearing on July 21, Lewisham Council ruled that Doki’s Lounge had breached its licensing conditions and suspended the club’s license with immediate effect.
Police said the decision was the “correct course of action to ensure the prevention of future crime and disorder, specifically reducing violence against women”.
A full review will take place in August to determine whether the suspension will remain in place.
Met Police has been contacted for further information.
