London superclub Drumsheds has been allowed to stay open

In December it was revealed that London’s biggest club, the 15,000-capacity Drumsheds, could have its licence revoked after two drugs-related deaths and a stabbing at the venue. 

After these events, the Metropolitan Police asked Enfield Council to review Drumsheds’ licence.

London Centric reported that the hearing revealed that on October 12, the night of one of the drugs-related deaths, a 27-year-old man who had taken drugs was treated by Drumsheds’ on-site medical team. Instead of being sent home or to hospital he was allegedly later allowed back onto the dance floor. He returned to the medical facility later and was then admitted to North Middlesex Hospital, where he died. Three other clubbers were also sent to hospital that night, with one requiring intensive care. 

In the hearing, the Met said this scenario followed a pattern at the venue: a 29-year-old woman died in hospital on December 7 after allegedly taking MDMA in Drumsheds, and a non-fatal stabbing took place in November. About the stabbing, the Met said Drumsheds’ security staff ‘were uncooperative’ with police on the night. 

In the main, the Met argued for a reduction to 10,000 and a universal ID scan. These were their main asks but both were rejected.

Councillor Susan Erbil, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said:

‘Enfield Council’s primary concerns remain the safety and wellbeing of its residents. Today, the licensing sub-committee heard the representations provided to them by the police and representatives on behalf of the venue management and agreed that the premises licence holder should retain their licence with modified conditions.

‘Council officers and the police will continue to monitor the premises and undertake compliance checks but it is the premises licence holder’s responsibility to ensure the conditions are upheld.’

Drumsheds said in a statement:

‘We are pleased to confirm that following a detailed review of our practices and operations, the licensing authority of Enfield Council has approved our continued operation at full capacity at Drumsheds.

‘Throughout this process, we have proactively introduced a number of additional conditions to further mitigate risk and support the licensing objectives, and we value the collaborative and positive working relationship we have with Enfield Police, who have never sought to revoke Drumsheds’ licence.

‘Over the past several months, Enfield Police and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) have worked closely with our operations team to strengthen safety and welfare measures at the venue. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring the well-being of our guests and team.

‘Drumsheds is proud to be a platform for some of the world’s biggest artists and performers across a variety of genres, and as one of London’s leading large-scale event spaces, we remain committed to delivering exceptional shows and cultural experiences that contribute to the city’s global reputation as a hub for live music and entertainment.’

Drumsheds was represented by Philip Kolvin KC from 11KBW.