Music Venue O2 Academy Brixton Faces Indefinite Closure

The curtain might fall for London’s O2 Academy Brixton as the Metropolitan Police urged the council to revoke its license amid safety concerns. In January, O2 Academy Brixton faced closure when its license was suspended in the aftermath of a crowd crush. 

A December show by Nigerian artist Asake transformed into chaos when fans tried to force their way into the gig. Although the show stopped halfway through, the overcrowding killed a security guard and an attendee. 

At that time, the Met police called for the license to be suspended for at least three months to “allow time to work with the venue to facilitate a safe opening.” 

As reported by the Evening Standard, the Met issued a submission on April 17th, stating they have “lost confidence” in AMG, the venue’s owners. A spokesperson also confirmed the police “will be seeking a revocation of the license.” 

A whistleblower told the BBC that security staff members allowed “a couple of hundred” people enter the venue in exchange for money. 

Earlier this month, Lambeth Council published an update about the ongoing situation, confirming they are still reviewing the case. “O2 Academy Brixton is an iconic and much loved venue, and the impact of the current closure will be felt keenly,” the statement reads.

“However, we are acutely aware of our fundamental health and safety responsibility, and that this consideration overrides all others.”

Lambeth councilors will decide whether to follow Met’s advice or re-open the venue.

The next meeting will take place on May 15th.