Illegal nightclub busted in Southwark as cops find 45 hiding in basement
Met Police crack down on Afrikiko Restaurant and Club
Officers from the Met’s Southwark Partnership Night Time Economy Team paid six visits to Afrikiko Restaurant and Club on Old Kent Road between July 31 and September 26. Despite strict coronavirus rules, the venue was caught operating as a nightclub, ignoring social-distancing laws and even breaking curfew on several occasions.
Multiple breaches ignored despite police warnings
Police repeatedly tried to get Afrikiko staff to comply with new regulations, but the venue continuously flouted the rules. On the final visit on Saturday, September 26, officers were initially blocked from entering and falsely told the club was empty. When they finally got inside, more than 45 people were found crammed into the basement nightclub area, risking public health.
License revoked after serious violations
The ongoing defiance and danger to the public led Southwark Police Licensing to push for a swift review. Following a hearing on Tuesday, October 27, Afrikiko’s alcohol license was revoked. The club now has 21 days to appeal the decision.
Sergeant warns: putting lives at risk won’t be tolerated
“The Met is determined to protect Londoners by cracking down on the most egregious breaches putting everyone at risk,” said Sergeant Keith Dempster of the South Central Command Unit. “We don’t want to take away livelihoods but this blatant disregard exposed staff and patrons to serious coronavirus risk, endangering London’s communities. Repeated lockdown breaches like this could force further restrictions harming other businesses. We will engage where possible but robust action follows those who refuse to comply and put lives in danger.”
