Nine months ago, a tragic incident happened at the Brixton Academy where Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson lost their lives. The impact of their deaths remains devastating, our thoughts continue to be with their families and friends. In Brixton, these incidents will never be forgotten.
Through the licensing review process, the venue has engaged with the community and stakeholders learn from this event and ensure the safety of both visitors and staff in the future. A series of enhancements, informed by leading experts was developed, covering all aspects of the venue operations including CCTV, crowd management measures, enhanced event plans and risk assessments, ticket checking, queue systems and much more.
The changes put in place will guarantee the safe reopening of the venue and represent new best practice for the industry.
Brixton Academy plays an important role in the local economy whilst being an active member of our business community. Our Managing Director, Gianluca Rizzo said:
“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the exemplary work carried out by Lambeth Officers and by Lambeth Licensing Committee. They followed a robust and transparent process despite the sensitivity and challenges of this case.
Today’s decision ensures that the Brixton Academy can finally reopen its doors. It also ends a period of over nine months where local businesses suffered from reduced trade, music fans missed out on live concerts and artists lost opportunities to perform in this iconic venue.
The Brixton BID has publicly campaigned for the safe and prompt reopening of the Brixton Academy together with Michael Kill from the Night Time Industry Association (NTIA) and George Fleming from Save Our Scene (SOS) and many others.
Our business community is ready to welcome back music fans and visitors to Brixton, I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Brixton continues to be an exciting and safe destination for all”
The Brixton BID is committed to work with the operator, local businesses, Lambeth Council and the Metropolitan Police and other stakeholders to ensure our community, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a safe night out in Brixton.
Read the Lambeth Licensing Committee’s decision report here – https://love.lambeth.gov.uk/statement-on-the-o2-academy-brixton-licensing-sub-committee-decision/