Mistress of Mayfair loses licence after throat-slashing attack in St James's Street
Westminster Council suspends venue's licence until a full review hearing on 14 September 2026
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The Mistress of Mayfair, a restaurant and nightclub in St James’s Street, has had its licence suspended by Westminster City Council. The decision followed an emergency hearing on 17 August 2026, called after a man’s throat was slashed in an attack at the venue a week earlier.
Rhys Copas, the victim, suffered an 8 cm wound from his left ear to the middle of his throat. His jugular was severed, nerves damaged, and his voice box exposed, as reported by MyLondon. He remains in a stable condition after significant blood loss.
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Police cite security failures
The Metropolitan Police applied for the suspension, arguing the venue posed a risk to public safety. Superintendent Natasha Evans wrote that the premises had failed to scan customers’ IDs upon entry, meaning the suspect’s identity and potential witnesses were not recorded.
Evans also stated that security staff did not attempt to detain the suspect after the attack. Two individuals were arrested for obstructing police, and officers deployed PAVA spray to control the situation. The Met described the venue’s management during and after the incident as "wholly inadequate".
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Venue accepts temporary suspension
The Mistress of Mayfair voluntarily closed after the attack and has cooperated with police. Legal counsel for the venue told the council that the licence holder would respond to the allegations at a full review hearing, scheduled for 14 September 2026.
Lucci Guthrie, 28, appeared at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on 12 August. Prosecutor Manisha Kukadia said Guthrie attacked Copas after Copas slapped him in the face. Guthrie is accused of slashing Copas’s throat and face. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on 9 September.
What happens next
The Mistress of Mayfair will remain closed until the full licensing review on 14 September. Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee will decide whether to reinstate, amend, or revoke the licence permanently. Residents and businesses can submit representations to the council before the hearing.
Questions this report answers
+Why was the Mistress of Mayfair’s licence suspended?
Westminster City Council suspended the licence after a man’s throat was slashed at the venue on 10 August 2026. The Met Police reported failures in ID scanning and security management, citing risks to public safety. The suspension is temporary until a full review on 14 September.
+What injuries did Rhys Copas suffer?
Rhys Copas suffered an 8 cm wound from his left ear to the middle of his throat. His jugular was severed, nerves damaged, and his voice box exposed. He lost a significant amount of blood but is currently in a stable condition, as reported by MyLondon.
+When will the Mistress of Mayfair reopen?
The venue will remain closed until at least 14 September 2026. Westminster City Council will hold a full licensing review on that date to decide whether to reinstate, amend, or revoke the licence permanently. The council will consider representations from residents and businesses before the hearing.
+Who is Lucci Guthrie and what is he charged with?
Lucci Guthrie, 28, is charged with attempted murder for slashing Rhys Copas’s throat at the Mistress of Mayfair on 10 August 2026. He appeared at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on 12 August and will next appear at the Old Bailey on 9 September.
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