London nightclub Fabric is to close permanently after having its license revoked by Islington council.
The beloved haunt, popular among fans of electronic and dance music, closed temporarily in August amid a review of its license following two drugs-related deaths at the club. Two 18-year-old revellers died after overdosing in two separate incidents in June and August this year.
Islington council deliberated well into the early hours of Wednesday morning before determining that "a culture of drug use exists at the club which the existing management and security appears incapable of controlling."
A subcommittee ruled "that revocation of the licence is both appropriate and proportionate in light of all the circumstances."
According to the subcommittee, people entering the premises were "inadaquately searched" for possession of illegal substances and staff at the club failed to adequately intervene "in light of the overwhelming evidence that it was abundantly obvious that patrons in the club were on drugs and manifesting symptoms showing that they were. This included sweating, glazed red eyes and staring into space and people asking for help."
Furthermore, undercover police officers who attended the club on July 2 witnessed "open drug use."
Nearly 150,000 people signed a Change.org petition to prevent the popular club—established in 1999—from closing.
In a statement, Fabric's owners 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."
Islington council's decision has also been met with criticism from DJs and music industry figures alike on social media:
Like always, the youth will lose out. Institutions like The End, Bagleys & @fabriclondon all snatched away from them...Very upsetting
— Chase & Status (@chaseandstatus) 7 September 2016
License Revoked. I don't have words. #fabricreview
— Friction (@friction) September 7, 2016
For 15 years i was priviliged to be part of greatest underground club in the world ,,i am lost for words right now ,,#FabricReview
— DJ HYPE (@DJHYPE_PLAYAZ) September 7, 2016
This was all too predictable. Don't think @SadiqKhan @MPSIslington or @metpoliceuk had any intention of working with the club #fabricreview
— sashaofficial (@sashaofficial) September 7, 2016
What is the point of politicians being on twitter if they duck it as soon as they make an unpopular decision? @flo_williamson #FabricReview
— Scuba (@ScubaOfficial) 7 September 2016
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