London Club Dance Tunnel To Close Due To “Licensing Climate”

East London club Dance Tunnel has announced on Facebook that it will close its doors permanently in August 2016, blaming licensing regulations that make it "impossible" to sustainably remain open.

The basement venue has become a key venue for the east London dance music community since opening in late 2012. With a reputation for its powerful sound system and cutting edge lineups, the venue played host to a range of underground house and techno nights including pivotal dubstep/grime night FWD, and boasted frequent appearances from key DJs and producers in the scene, such as Plastician, Skream, and Optimo.

It seems that Dance Tunnel has been forced out of business due to licensing laws in its local borough of Hackney. The club's Facebook statement reads: "Sadly the licensing climate in Hackney has made it impossible for us to get the hours we need to make Dance Tunnel sustainable in the long term."

The decision is the latest blow to the city’s nightlife after a string of venues have been lost over the past 12 months including dance institution Plastic People, Soho cabaret favorite Madame Jojo’s, and DIY proponents Powerlunches. Last year it was reported that the number of clubs in the U.K. has halved in the last decade.

Take a look at Dance Tunnel's full statement below, and read up on why saving London’s clubs matters.