On the 16 August Mxdwn covered the closure of Fabric (see article here) pending a review following two drug-related teenage deaths. This followed the considered revoking of their licence back in December 2014; Fabric managed to overturn this after an appeal.

Now the licence has been revoked after Islington borough council criticised Fabric for failing to prevent the buying and taking of drugs on the premises. The deliberation to revoke the licence lasted until the early hours of Wednesday morning (7 September). Islington borough council slammed security staff’s searching policy as “inadequate and in breach of the licence.”

The council also added that covert police operations clearly witnessed the buying and selling of drugs within the club, stating:

“Staff intervention and security was grossly inadequate 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.”

Yet revellers and artists who had played Fabric showed their anguish at the decision. A club worker for over 8 years, Jacob Husley, created and online petition which had reached nearly 150,000 signatures. He said of the decision:

“We are in shock. I am feeling a mixture of disbelief and anger and sadness … It would be a devastating blow for London and culture, and clubs across the UK. It sets a precedent.”

It is unclear whether the club will appeal to the decision and they have not yet made a statement. However, there are a number of fans out there willing to campaign on their behalf, including Alan Miller, chairman of the Night Time Industries Association, who is keen to start a grassroots fund. Also London Mayor Sadiq Khan had expressed his support to keep Fabric open and before the announcement had expressed his passion for famous clubs like Fabric, saying, “London’s iconic clubs are an essential part of our cultural landscape.”

A spokesperson for Scotland Yard announced the closer in a statement:

“We support this decision made by Islington council’s licensing committee.

“London has a world renowned nighttime 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.”