London nightclub Fabric to close permanently after licence is revoked over police drug concerns

Before its licence was revoked, a petition to save the club had received almost 150,000 signatures

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One of London's biggest nightclubs is to shut after its licence was revoked.

Representatives of the world-renowned Fabric nightclub gathered at Islington Council to make their case for the popular venue to remain open, after police raised concerns about drugs on the premises.

Last month the Met Police applied to the council for the licence to be reviewed, due to what it described as “concerns about serious crime” associated with the nightclub.

The nightspot in Farringdon closed temporarily after the deaths of two teenagers from suspected drug overdoses earlier this year.

In the run-up to the council's decision, announced in the early hours of Wednesday morning, a petition to save the club had received almost 150,000 signatures.

Met Police spokesperson:

"Police felt the need to act due to concerns about the safety of those attending the club due to the supply of class A drugs in the venue and the recent deaths of two young men linked to the club.

"We support this decision made by Islington Council's licensing committee.

"London has a world-renowned night-time economy and people should be able to enjoy it safely, without concerns of serious crime. The Met is committed to working in partnership with those responsible for this sector to ensure that this happens."

The move is only the latest in a series of closure that have blighted London's nightlife.

DJ Jacob Husley, who has worked at the club's Sunday night party for the past eight years, said he was surprised by the decision.

He said: “We are in shock. I am feeling a mixture of disbelief and anger and sadness.”

Asked what the closure of the club would mean, he said: “It would be a devastating blow for London and culture, and clubs across the UK. It sets a precedent.”

Fabric told The Independent this morning:

“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.”

DJ duo Chase & Status added: “This s**t, it’s the early 90’s garbage again - the law demonising clubs and raves with an archaic view on drugs and the youth. Disgusting.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had previously said he was “determined” to do more to protect London's “iconic clubs” but that City Hall did not have the power to intervene in licensing cases like this one.

He urged everyone involved to “find a common-sense solution that ensures the club remains open while protecting the safety of those who want to enjoy London's clubbing scene”.

Mr Husley said he could not say whether the club's owners will appeal but added that he hoped “we are not finished with this”.

Press Association