London’s Drumsheds is at risk of losing its licence after reports of two drug-related deaths and a non-fatal stabbing on the premises.
The 15,000-capacity superclub in Tottenham is currently subject to an emergency licensing review after the Metropolitan Police asked Enfield Council to investigate the venue on December 12.
The fate of the club may be decided at a meeting held by the council on January 7, after an initial decision was made that it could continue to operate until then under specific conditions.
The review comes in the wake of the death of a 27-year-old man who had attended a Drumsheds event on October 12. The incident is believed to be drug-related, as reported by the Standard.
A 29-year-old woman also died in hospital after an event on December 7, with police believing that it was also connected to drug use.
On November 16, a man was attacked with a weapon in the venue too, with Metropolitan Police officers called to the scene. No arrests have been made in connection with any of these three incidents.
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.”
Enfield Councillor Susan Erbil said: “Enfield Council’s primary concern is always for the safety and wellbeing of its residents and visitors to the borough. The council held an interim 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 the license holder should retain its licence but with additional conditions.
“Council officers and the police will continue to monitor the premises to ensure these conditions are in place. A full licensing committee meeting will take place on January 7, 2025.”
The investigation follows recent complaints of overcrowding at the venue, with a petition having been launched for fans to claim refunds for an event for the 15th anniversary of UK bass label UKF on December 13.
After the event, which was headlined by Pendulum, Nero and Knife Party, dozens of attendees took to social media to accuse organisers of “unsafe queues”, overcrowding and “aggressive” security.
“Numerous people were subjected to frightful conditions that risked their safety at a recent event ran at the venue Drumsheds in London,” the petition read.
“These circumstances can lead to devastating incidents such as crowd surge or potential crushing. According to a series of accounts from concerned attendees, these circumstances were particularly prevalent on the path leading into the venues, causing widespread panic and fear among the attendees,” it added.
A report from MusicTech from the same event described extensive queuing outside the venue and questioned whether it was “the worst-organised event at the venue yet”.
Following the backlash, Drumsheds’ operator Broadwick Live shared a statement explaining that the venue was facing “a number of challenges” on the night, but tried to mitigate them by enhancing security procedures.
“We are aware of the concerns raised and sincerely apologise for the frustration and discomfort caused during the event,” read the statement shared with MixMag.
“Unfortunately, we faced a number of challenges on the night, including longer-than-usual queues and congestion due to a combination of factors, including enhanced security procedures. While these measures were necessary, we understand their impact and are conducting a thorough review.”
