[title]
The UK’s biggest club, Drumsheds, could have its licence revoked in the new year.
The superclub in north London, which has a 15,000-person capacity, had an emergency licensing review triggered two weeks ago (December 12). The Metropolitan Police asked Enfield Council to review the licence following an investigation into a stabbing at the venue and two deaths believed to be drug-related.
Drumsheds was in the headlines last week following a crowd management fiasco at the UKF15 event on December 13, which was headlined by Pendulum. Now, an investigation by London Centric has revealed why.
The UKF event took place the day after the emergency licensing review was requested by the Met, meaning the venue had to put on additional security and much stricter searches. Attendees complained of waiting two hours just to enter the club, and that overcrowding inside felt ‘unsafe’. There was even an online petition started demanding refunds for the event, which currently has more than 2,200 signatures.
The Met and Enfield Council confirmed to London Centric that there will be a licensing review on January 7.
The police are investigating Drumsheds after two people died after attending events at the venue. A 27-year-old man died in hospital after attending an event on October 12, while a 29-year-old woman died in hospital after attending an event at the venue on December 7. Both deaths are believed to be drug-related.
On November 16 police were also called to Drumsheds after a man required hospital treatment after being stabbed in the venue. No arrests have been made.
Councillor Susan Erbil, Enfield’s cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, told London Centric: ‘Enfield Council’s primary concern is always for the safety and wellbeing of its residents and visitors to the borough. The council held an extraordinary licensing hearing at the request of the Metropolitan Police on December 12.
‘The licensing committee heard the evidence presented to them by the police and on behalf of the venue’s management / operators and agreed that Broadwick Live, which manages Drumsheds, should retain its licence but with additional conditions.’
A police spokesperson said: ‘Public safety is our priority and following a request from the Metropolitan Police, Enfield Council held an extraordinary licensing hearing for Drumsheds, operated by Broadwick Live.
‘This follows three serious incidents at the venue in recent weeks, with our officers investigating two unexpected deaths and a non-fatal stabbing. The council decided the venue could retain its licence, subject to additional conditions. We have had contingencies in place for the most recent event, including an enhanced police presence.’
Beloved Deptford venue Matchstick Piehouse is reopening.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.