Oval Space faces license review after alleged shooting

One of London’s most popular clubs, Oval Space, has been subjected to a review of its license following an alleged shooting at the club.

Confirmed in a letter from Tower Hamlets council, the reason for the review is outlined as: “That in the opinion of a senior police officer of the Metropolitan Police the above premises are associated with serious crime and disorder or both and concerns in relation to public safety and prevention of public nuisance. Lack of management of the premises and lack of adequate searching leading to serious incident to take place.”

The review of Oval Space’s license stems from an incident that took place on 30th August and involved a firearm being dispatched on the dancefloor. 

As confirmed in the report, police were called to nearby Temple Street following reports of a man found in the street with injuries to both legs. It was later established that the man had been at a Notting Hill Carnival after-party at Oval Space a short time earlier, with CCTV confirming he fled the venue with another male in pursuit. 

The report also states two members of security claimed they “did not see any altercation occur outside the club”. Another security guard claimed that there had been a bang on the dancefloor at roughly 04:15, which they believed to be “the sound of a balloon bursting”, after which a “large amount of people left the club.”

CCTV footage reviewed by police shows a man bypassing the queue and a security search, who bouncers said regularly attends the venue with promoters. He was seen being passed a bag by the man suspected of firing shots, and after bypassing the security, was seen handing this bag back to the suspect.

The report also states: “The officers strongly believe that this bag contains the firearm.

“Officers then believe a shot is discharged in the club which leads to the crowd to dispersing, the victim fleeing and shortly after being chased down the road and being shot twice.”

If Oval Space’s license is revoked, the club has the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Tower Hamlets council’s website states: “The appeal must be made to the Magistrates Court. A notice of appeal must be given to the justices’ chief executive for the Magistrates Court within a period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the appellant was notified by the Licensing Authority.”