Kieran Mackie, managing director of security solutions business Amulet, comments on recent lobbying by the Met police for the O2 Brixton Academy's licence to be revoked after two people were killed in a crush at the venue in December.
It has been reported the Met police have submitted an application for review of the Brixton Academy’s premises licence to Lambeth Council with a view to seeking its revocation following the crowd surge at the venue in December last year which saw two people dead and others in critical condition.
The announcement from the Met Police is saddening as O2 Academy Brixton is an iconic venue.
In my opinion, it is an example of why the United Kingdom needs tighter legislation and better training of security personnel to reduce the risk of such incidents.
To ensure any venue is safe requires it to be staffed and managed correctly by a responsible and well-trained security team, which will additionally ensure it opertes safely for years.
Tragedies like the one in December should not result in venues being permanently shut but the police and venue operators working together with their security company to provide better training, guidance, and service provision.
Operating margins within the security industry are tight, however, which has resulted in venue operators often providing the minimum security commensurate with making entertainment destinations safe.
Regardless of cost limitations, ensuring the correct number of staff are available on-site, and also ensuring all security employees receive adequate training and briefings, are minimum requirements and not aspirations.
Kieran Mackie,
Managing director
Amulet
