London Club Fabric Forced To Close After Review
The decision was reached after 6 hours of debate at the Islington Town Hall on Tuesday night.
The Islington Council has revoked the license of famed London nightclub Fabric after hours of intense debate and testimony on Tuesday night, Mixmag reports. The club will reportedly be forced to close its doors, though the club's owners have the option to appeal the decision.
Fabric closed voluntarily on August 11, following the deaths of two teenagers and a subsequent police investigation. The club's license was placed on suspension during the investigation. Documents released in August by the Metropolitan Police suggested that the club was “a safe haven for the supply and consumption of illegal drugs” that “represents a serious risk to its patrons.”
“Venues like Fabric face huge challenges in tackling drugs but as an experienced operator, with a strong track record and which is willing to invest, we are best placed to pioneer new ways of working that will keep people safer," Fabric director Cameron Leslie told Resident Advisor in August.
The threat to the venue's license caused an uproar in the community of DJs, artists, and club regulars. A petition to keep the club open circulated, and London mayor Sadiq Khan wrote that he was hoping for a “common sense solution” between all parties.
The Islington council ultimately ruled that "searches were inadequate and in breach of the license," according to Mixmag. DJs and musicians from the community have taken to Twitter to show their support for the club.
Respect and love to all the staff at fabric past and present, you created a legend. Thank you
— TEEDFEED (@TEEDinosaurs) September 7, 2016
Fabric Closed
— MUMDANCE (@mumdance) September 7, 2016
Fucking absolute scum
Gutted
Gutted for London.
— Stricty (@strictface) September 7, 2016
v sad to hear about fabric :(
— lüney [HYPERHOUSE] (@annalunoe) September 7, 2016
RIP Fabric. Another loss for London youth. https://t.co/Dm4125G873
— Lil Tracey (@AJFromTheLane) September 7, 2016
#fabric this isnt rly about drugs or door searches
— Bok (@bok_bok) September 7, 2016
Another step twrds a city full of extortionate, empty properties & all-privatised space😟😡