Published
Tue, Sep 27, 2022, 17:26
- Its license is under review at a council hearing tonight, with a decision expected in the next five days.
East London venue Oval Space could lose its license after an alleged shooting at the venue.
On Saturday, August 30th, a member of the public found a man with injuries to both his legs on Temple Street in Bethnal Green. The details of the incident were recorded in a council document, which claims a firearm was discharged at Oval Space during a Notting Hill Carnival afterparty.
The accounts of police officers are also detailed in the council document. CCTV cameras captured the alleged victim parking his car at 2 AM on Hackney Road, exiting the vehicle with two other men and then walking towards the venue. He is later seen on CCTV at 4:22 AM running away from the venue. Camera footage shows him head onto Hackney Road before being chased by another man onto Temple Street.
According to a statement made by one of the police officers, a firearm was discharged inside Oval Space and the incident was captured on CCTV. He said the security team claimed the sound was a balloon. Many people left the venue. The victim said five days of the investigation have been wasted because the venue's general manager–who said she lost her phone–wasn't contactable.
Speaking to Resident Advisor, a spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said a decision on the license is expected within five days of the licensing sub-committee hearing, which takes place today, September 27th, at 6:30 PM GMT. Oval Space can appeal the decision within 21 days if its license is revoked.
When the news broke, Oval Space launched a campaign, which was boosted earlier this week by the Night Time Industries Association. According to the spokesperson, the council has received 1,799 letters of support for the venue.
Tonight's licensing sub-committee meeting is open to the public. Check out the agenda here.
Opened in 2013, Oval Space is a popular venue with electronic music fans, hosting regular club nights and live music. Its sister space, The Pickle Factory, sits opposite.
RA has reached out to Oval Space for comment on the situation.