During the hearing on Wednesday (18 December), it was confirmed that the famed private members club could reopen subject to conditions agreed with the police.
It comes after the venue’s license was suspended last month following allegations that a woman was raped inside the premises on 13 November.
A 34-year-old man was arrested in Hertfordshire earlier this month in relation to the incident and been bailed until a date in late February.
As reported by The Guardian, Groucho staff cried as the committee announced its ruling.
A representative of the club, which is owned by high-end hospitality operator Artfarm, subsequently confirmed to The Standard that The Groucho plans to reopen on 10 January.
During the hearing, the Metropolitan Police made 13 recommendations for the new licence conditions, including properly supervising toilet areas, staff welfare training and a tightening up of ‘previously lax procedures’ relating to members and their guests.
Discussions referencing the police investigation were held in private.
A Westminster City council spokesperson said: “Having considered all the evidence presented by Groucho’s management and the Metropolitan Police, the council’s licensing sub-committee has agreed to modify the conditions on the licence and lift the suspension of the club’s licence with immediate effect.
“The committee was satisfied that Groucho’s management had demonstrated significant safety improvements and agreed that sufficient measures are now in place for the venue to operate safely.”
Founded in 1985 by a group of women publishers as an alternative to London’s male dominated private members clubs, The Groucho Club has a storied history and counts many A-list celebrities among its members.
Its name derives from the famous Groucho Marx line: “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.”