After a two-day hearing Lambeth Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee has permitted the O2 Brixton Academy to re-open, but only once it has met 77 extensive and robust new conditions designed to promote public safety, including the safety of both visitors and employees.
Stronger doors, new crowd management systems, more detailed risk assessments, a new ticketing system, a new centralised control and command centre as well as new security and management at the venue, were among the measures proposed by AMG at the hearing to support their aim of regaining the venue’s licence so it can re-open, and making sure we never see a tragedy again like the one there in December 2022.
At the hearing the council’s licensing officers asked that AMG’s initial proposals were greatly strengthened. This was accepted by the operator. In total 77 conditions have been agreed by the sub-committee to allow re-opening.
The investigation into whether any criminal offences have been committed is being led by the Met Police, and their work continues.
The Met has released a statement following the decision.
In the statement, Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, Lambeth Neighbourhood Police lead, said:
“Our thoughts today are with the loved ones of Rebecca Ikumelo, Gaby Hutchinson and the young woman who remains critically injured.
“Following the decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee, we will work with the applicant and Lambeth Council to ensure the public can once again enjoy events at the Academy – but in an environment where their safety is paramount.
“It has always been the aim of the Met Police to ensure that the venue is operated safely for the public, and it is run by a licensee who will take all necessary steps to ensure this is the case.
“It has never been our aim to ask for the venue itself to be permanently closed. We absolutely recognise the cultural importance of it and its place at the heart of Lambeth.
“Our investigation to establish the circumstances of what caused the tragic incident on 15 December 2022 is ongoing. We want to thank everyone who has already been in touch with information, and encourage anyone else who was present to come forward and provide any information they may hold.”
(Source: Metropolitan Police and Lambeth Council)
