East London club Oval Space loses license after alleged shooting
The venue's license was revoked earlier this week
By Nick Reilly
East London club Oval Space has been forced to close its doors after Tower Hamlets Council stripped the venue of its operating license.
The nightlife venue, which first opened in 2013, had its license revoked earlier this week (September 27) at a licensing sub-committee meeting. The reason for the move is yet to be revealed, but the meeting was initially called after a firearms incident allegedly occured at a Notting Hill Carnival afterparty on Saturday, August 30th.
As Resident Advisor reports, a fire arm was discharged in the venue causing attendees to immediately flee. One attendee was chased into a nearby street, where he was found with gunshot wounds.
“Once you allow gangs into a venue, it’s very, very hard to turn it around and get them out,” licensing officer Corrine Holland reportedly said.
“Ultimately, the premises license holder is to blame for this […] We don’t have any faith in the management of this venue.”
PC Mark Perry, of Tower Hamlets Police licensing, said: “This is a venue that has been used by gangs and to an extent is controlled by gangs. This is why fights are taking place, why people are bringing in a firearm and swords and the management have kept silent and not informed police.”
The venue is yet to respond to the verdict, but the licensing decision only affects Oval Space and not sister venue The Pickle Factory – which is located next door.
The decision only affects Oval Space and not its sister venue, The Pickle Factory. Watch the licensing sub-committee meeting in full.