The Mistress of Mayfair, a high-end restaurant and nightclub on St James's Street, has had its licence suspended following an emergency hearing after a man's throat was slashed, leaving an 8cm wound. The decision was made by Westminster City Council's Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday, August 17, after the Metropolitan Police requested interim measures, arguing the venue was "associated with serious crime."
Attack and Charges
The incident occurred on Monday, August 10, when Rhys Copas was attacked. Lucci Guthrie, 28, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the assault. The court was told that Mr Copas's voice box was exposed and his nerves damaged, with an 8cm wound cutting from his left ear to the middle of his throat, along with two wounds to his cheeks. He suffered significant blood loss, and his jugular was severed.
Prosecutor Manisha Kukadia told Hendon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 12, that Guthrie allegedly approached Mr Copas "in regards to being in (the) nightclub." The court heard that Mr Copas was dating the former partner of the defendant. 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 is currently in a stable condition, and Guthrie is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 9.
Police Concerns and Management Failures
Superintendent Natasha Evans, in her application for interim measures, stated that attempted murder is "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 highlighted that staff 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 on the club's system. She also noted 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 (pepper spray) to control the situation. Further concerns were raised about security officers failing to try and detain the suspect.
Venue Response and Next Steps
The venue voluntarily closed following the incident, and staff have been cooperating with the Met Police. Legal counsel for the venue said that the licence holder would respond to the allegations in full at the summary licensing hearing to be held in 28 days. She said that 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.
Following the hearing, councillors decided to temporarily suspend the venue's licence until a full hearing could take place. The suspension will remain in effect pending the summary review, which will determine the long-term future of the licence.
