Fabric Nightclub: Anger As Closes Permanently

James Drury
By James Drury Last edited 90 months ago

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Fabric Nightclub: Anger As Closes Permanently
Photo: Christian Jonas.

Hundreds of artists and supporters have expressed their frustration and sadness that world renowned nightclub Fabric is to close after Islington Council revoked its licence.

A special hearing was called to review the club's licence following the drugs-related death of two men who had been able to smuggle MDMA into the club and buy it inside, the meeting heard.

Head of the licensing committee, Cllr Flora Williamson, said: "A culture of drug use exists at the club which the existing management and security appears incapable of controlling."

The club will now close permanently, with the loss of 250 jobs.

Hundreds of people took to social media to express their disappointment.

In an impassioned series of tweets, electronic music duo Chase and Status said: "Our culture has been torn apart with the closing of Fabric and every club with serious history and importance in London.

"Left in the hands of these people with the power to revoke licences but who have no real understanding of the topic or culture, it's archaic.

"Like always, the youth will lose out. Institutions like The End, Bagleys & Fabric all snatched away from them...Very upsetting."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed his disappointment, in a statement: "London’s iconic clubs are an essential part of our cultural landscape. Clubbing needs to be safe but I’m disappointed that Fabric, Islington Council and the Metropolitan Police were unable to reach an agreement on how to address concerns about public safety.

"As a result of this decision, thousands of people who enjoyed ‎going to Fabric as an essential part of London's nightlife will lose out. The issues faced by Fabric point to a wider problem of how we protect London’s night-time economy, while ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

"Over the past eight years, London has lost 50% of its nightclubs and 40% of its live music venues. This decline must stop if London is to retain its status as a 24-hour city with a world-class nightlife.

"I am in the process of appointing a Night Czar who will bring together key stakeholders including club and venue owners, local authorities, the Metropolitan Police and members of the public. No single organisation or public body can solve these problems alone – we all need to work together to ensure London thrives as a 24-hour city, in a way that is safe and enjoyable for everyone."

A spokesman for the nightclub said: "Fabric is extremely disappointed with Islington Council's decision to revoke our license. This is an especially sad day for those who have supported us, particularly the 250 staff who will now lose their jobs.

"Closing Fabric is not the answer to the drug-related problems clubs like ours are working to prevent, and sets a troubling precedent for the future of London's night time economy."

In its 17 years of operating, Fabric saw over 5,000 artists pass through its doors, and welcomed over  six million clubbers.

Last Updated 07 September 2016