Brixton 02 Academy’s licence has been suspended temporarily a week after two people were killed in a crowd crush in the foyer.
The iconic venue’s licence was suspended on Thursday by Lambeth council until a full hearing to decide its future can be held on January 16.
Cllr Fred Cowell, chair of the licensing committee, said the risk to public safety would remain high if Brixton 02 Academy were able to operate as before.
The committee deemed a voluntary suspension of the licence offered by venue’s management would not be enforceable in law were it to be breached.
The Met has launched a separate criminal investigation as well as applying for a summary review of the licence at the south London venue – which remains closed.
Gaby Hutchinson, 23, was on duty during a show by Afrobeats artist Asake when ticketless fans stormed in last Thursday.
The 23-year-old, from Gravesend in Kent, died in hospital on Monday from injuries sustained in the incident.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, from Newham, east London, died in hospital on Saturday and a 21-year-old woman remains seriously ill in hospital. Police say all three were in the foyer of the building.
In documents submitted for the fast-track summary licence review, the force wrote: “Police were called to the premises in response to reports of serious disorder with a clear threat to public safety. During the incident, a crowd forced their way into the venue leading to serious injuries to several individuals, and two individuals have since lost their lives.
“The Met contends that the premises are associated with serious crime and serious disorder. A certificate signed by Detective Superintendent Daniel Ivey has been provided to this effect.”
An open letter signed by Lambeth councillors said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson who lost their lives, as well as with those who remain in hospital and those suffering the trauma of witnessing such distressing scenes at one of our borough’s live music venues.
“The venue is currently closed and we are set to undertake an urgent, in-depth review of its licence, which covers the legal conditions it must meet to run, including its public safety arrangements. This follows the Met Police submitting an application for a ‘Summary License Review’ on Tuesday.
“The council’s Licensing Sub-Committee will meet to consider immediate measures that need to be taken in relation to the venue, ahead of a full review of the premises’ licence which must be completed within 28-days.
“This review will be part of ongoing efforts to both seek answers and ensure such an incident never happens again.”
A separate criminal investigation is being carried out by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command with officers reviewing CCTV, phone footage, speaking to witnesses and carrying out forensic examinations.
An online page for the submission of photos, videos and information has been set up with Lambeth council urging anyone who can help detail events to use this site.
The venue said its “heartfelt condolences” were with the victim’s family and friends.
“We continue to be devastated by this tragic situation and are fully supporting the ongoing investigation”, they added. (Standard)