Brixton Academy’s future will be decided after deadly destruction
Councilors will decide the future of Brixton Academy after a deadly crush at the venue.
Security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, were killed at the venue on December 15 last year when unticketed fans tried to gain entry to a show by Nigerian artist Asake.
The south London music venue is at risk of permanent closure after the Metropolitan Police urged the City Council to revoke its licence.
A two-day hearing by Lambeth Council’s Licensing Subcommittee to decide whether it is safe to use the O2 Academy Brixton begins Monday.
Earlier, councilors had suspended the venue’s license for three months and the decision was supported by the venue’s owner, Academy Music Group, who sent their condolences to the families of those who died.
About 1,000 people were outside the venue and police noted “widespread rioting” with crowds eventually pushing open the doors, according to Gerald Gouriet KC, who represented the Met at the earlier licensing meeting.
A police inquiry was launched and the Security Industry Authority opened an investigation into corruption allegations made after the raid.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/academy-music-group-brixton-academy-lambeth-council-metropolitan-police-london-b1106109.html Brixton Academy’s future will be decided after deadly destruction
