BRIXTON ACADEMY UNDER THREAT?

London venue Brixton Academy is under threat of closure after two deaths at an Asake concert in December 2022. A petition to keep it open has amassed nearly 13k signatures.

The MET Police have called for the venue’s license to be revoked due to “losing confidence” in operator Academy Music Group’s proposals for new safety measures.

After a crowd surge at the Asake gig led to the two deaths, the Academy had its license suspended and the venue has been closed since.

In response to the MET’s decision, AMG told i that it has “presented detailed proposals that we believe will enable the venue to reopen safely” during regular meetings and discussions with the police and local council Lambeth.

A decision will be made at a meeting that’s expected to happen next month. If AMG loses its license, another venue operator might be able to take over.

In the meantime, a change.org petition is calling for the venue to be saved. Instead of permanent closure, it suggests renewing security measures to ensure the situation doesn’t get repeated.