…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
A petition to save Brixton Academy, an iconic London music venue, has gained over 10,000 signatures.
The future of the venue is currently uncertain due to the suspension of the Academy Music Group’s (AMG) license for at least three months following a crush at a gig in December, which caused the death of two people and critically injured a third.
The Met Police has since lost confidence in AMG and is urging Lambeth Council to permanently revoke the license.
AMG has submitted its own application to vary the license and the council will consider both applications in due course.
Fresh Security Measures Called for in the Petition
Stuart O’Brien launched the petition in support of Brixton Academy, calling for the implementation of fresh security measures to ensure the venue’s safety going forward.
Despite acknowledging the tragic events of December, O’Brien claims that he has “never once felt like safety was an issue” during his hundreds of visits to the venue.
In addition to the loss of an iconic music venue, the petition also highlights the devastating impact that its closure would have on the local economy.
Lambeth Council Holds License Review
Lambeth Council initially suspended AMG’s license, pending a variation application, and required the company to submit workable changes to their license that fully address police concerns about the venue’s operations.
The next Licensing Sub-Committee meeting is set to be held on May 15, where councillors will consider the two outstanding applications – the license variation and the license review.
AMG claims to have presented detailed proposals to enable the venue to reopen safely and is awaiting feedback from the police.
Analysis and Commentary
The tragic events at Brixton Academy in December 2021 highlight the importance of venue safety and the need for regular reviews of security measures.
While the petition to save the venue demonstrates the value that it holds for music fans and the local community, it is important to consider the wider implications of the licensing review.
The AMG’s submission of their own application to vary the license indicates their willingness to make changes and improve safety measures.
It will be up to the council to decide whether these changes are sufficient, and whether the venue can continue to operate.
Ultimately, the priority must be to ensure the safety of everyone who attends live events, while also supporting the cultural and economic significance of music venues like Brixton Academy.