London Astoria, one of the London's most famous live music venues, may face closure after Westminster City Council refused to renew its licence.

The council's licensing sub committee refused to renew the club's annual weekday and Sunday music and dancing licence, as well as a restricted films licence after becoming 'alarmed' at the number of breaches in public safety. It said the Astoria had failed to take appropriate measures to ensure public safety after a series of brawls, including a shoot-out at a live gig by the rap act, So Solid Crew in October 2001.

In the nine months from September 2001 to May 2002, there were 152 calls to emergency services, 27 assaults and 15 further reported assaults at the club. A council report also logged nine incidents involving door staff and female customers.