Fabric closure counterstrike begins: 'These places are where we get inspired, where we fall in love'

A fund is being put together to fight the closure

((Pic: Ninja Tune))

Arguably Britain’s biggest and best known nightclub Fabric was permanently shut down following a review by Islington Council last night, but industry heads, supporters and patrons are not taking the decision lying down.

Many gathered on the steps outside, some in tears, after the decision, but Alan Miller of the Night Time Industries Association, who was among them, told the crowd (via the Standard): “This is not the end of the story. This is just the beginning. We are going to call on people to contribute funds in a grassroots national movement to lobby their MP and councillors to say enough is enough.

“If it wasn’t for places like Fabric we would have none of our cultural assets - where we get inspired, where we fall in love,” he continued.

“We are going to challenge this. It is unacceptable. We are going to put a crowdfunder statement out and we are going self-finance and support a fund to fight for fabric and everyone in the industry because when they come for you they come for all of us.”

A petition to keep the club open attracted over 150,000 signatures ahead of the review.

This morning, The Independent revealed that Fabric's closure was a long term plan orchestrated by a cash-strapped council, with the police as pawns and drug legislation as a constant, convenient excuse.

During last night's meeting, Fabric director Cameron Leslie said: “I cannot contest strongly enough the notion that Fabric is a safe haven for drugs,” recalling: “My co-founder Keith Reilly stood-up to a significant organised crime organisation when we first opened who wanted to run drugs into this club. He had to move his family out of their home and had to wear a bullet-proof vest for a month. So we know very well the real life challenges that are involved in running a clean venue in London.”

This fell on deaf ears however, with head of the committee councillor Flora Williamson insisting the club has “a culture of drug use” it is “incapable of controlling”, describing its efforts to curb drug use as “grossly inadequate”.

More: Fabric review board actually considered lowering BPMs to get the kids off drugs

Hosts of DJs have rallied around the club, including Annie Mac, Pete Tong, Chase & Status, Fatboy Slim, Plastician and the Chemical Brothers.

Fabric's statement:

“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.”