This comes at the end of an extended closure period that followed the tragic crush at the venue on December 15, 2022 that claimed the lives of two people and left a third in a critical condition.
Bayo Dosunmu, Lambeth Council’s Chief Executive, said:
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson who lost their lives, as well as with the person who is still in hospital, and all those suffering the trauma of witnessing such distressing scenes at one of our borough’s live music venues.
“In September last year, following a two-day hearing, Lambeth Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee permitted the O2 Brixton Academy to re-open, but only once it had met 77 extensive and robust new conditions designed to promote public safety, including the safety of both visitors and employees.
“Those included stronger doors, new crowd management systems, more detailed risk assessments, a new ticketing system, a new centralised control and command centre as well as new security and management at the venue.
“The council has worked to ensure that these conditions have now been met, and will continue to monitor safety at the venue.
“There have been regular meetings with the venue to provide the reassurance the council, and ultimately the public, requires. The council will have officers outside and inside premise on Friday evening to check all conditions are being followed.”
An investigation into the tragic events of December 2022, and whether any criminal offences were committed, is being led by the Met Police, with their work continuing. Lambeth Council is fully supporting that investigation to help ensure that we never see a tragedy like this in our borough again.
Preparation for the test O2 events have included working with the police to ensure a new security firm is working at the venue and that the right health and safety plans are in place
There has been a residents and local business meeting on April 8 where the venue operators ran through their plans and gave residents the opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have.
