O2 Academy licence suspended after Brixton crowd crush leaves two people dead
The O2 Academy Brixton has had its licence suspended for three months after a crowd crush left two people dead.
Security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, were killed when fans reportedly tried to enter an Asake gig without tickets at the venue in south London on December 15.
Thousands had turned up to see the Afrobeats artist, who had only performed a few songs before being forced to end the show.
The decision to suspend the venue's licence was made following a Lambeth Council sub-committee meeting today, which was called after an application by the Metropolitan Police.
Chairman of the sub-committee, councillor Fred Cowell, said: "The decision of the licensing sub-committee is that the premises licence is suspended for a period of three months from today, expiring at one minute past midnight on April 16 2023.
Woman still in critical condition three months after Brixton crowd crush tragedy
Security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, was killed after the crowd crush on December 15 (PA)
The O2 Academy Brixton has had its licence suspended for three months (@DammySNM/Twitter)He added: "No licensable activities shall take place at the premises unless and until an application to vary the premises licence has been made by the premises' licence holder."
Gerald Gouriet KC, representing the Met, said the full extent of the injuries caused by the crush is still unknown.
"It started at 8pm, so I understand by 9pm a large crowd of about 1,000 people had formed outside the entrance to the premises, to all intents giving the appearance of entering the building," he said.
"Staff at the venue closed the entrance doors and called the police for support. And we have a timing for that call, it's 9.04pm. The police arrived at 9.16pm.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, died following the incident (PA)
Smashed doors at the venue following the crowd crush last month (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)"When they arrived, they found large-scale disorder, the crowd pushing against the doors, trying to force them open, which they eventually did.
"And when the doors were breached, the crowd poured into the lobby towards the auditorium.
"A number of them fell to the floor. Several - we don't yet know the total number and that will be found out as the inquiry proceeds - were injured as the crowd surged on and over those who had fallen."
Four people were taken to hospital, Mr Gouriet said.
Local MP Florence Eshalomi speaks to media outside Brixton Academy on December 16 (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)"Tragically, as we know, two of them died as a result of their injuries," he said.
"A third remains critically ill and the fourth has been, thankfully, discharged."
Mr Gouriet applied for the venue to have its licence suspended for three months, for that suspension to include the initial 21-day appeal period, and for no licensed activities to take place there until it has had an application to vary its licence granted by the licensing sub-committee.
Stephen Walsh KC, representing the O2 Academy's owner, Academy Music Group (AMG), said his client agreed to the suspension terms as set out by the police.
Metropolitan Police officers at the scene last month (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)"But can I make it clear that AMG agrees to the suspension, as suggested by Mr Gouriet, also to the continuance of the interim steps, that is the shorter suspension to cover the appeal period, and also to the single condition, which Mr Gouriet read out to you a few moments ago.
"So there is full agreement about that."
He also offered sympathies on behalf of the venue to those impacted by the tragedy.
"The O2 Academy Brixton recognises the gravity of the events which occurred on the night of December 15 2022 and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of those who died during that tragic incident and its genuine concerns for anyone affected by it," he said.
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
