FABRIC CLOSURE

Fabric “could re-open” after drug-deaths closure

By Daniel Woolfson

- Last updated on GMT

Fabric: slammed as a "safe haven" for drug users
Fabric: slammed as a "safe haven" for drug users

Related tags Nightclub

Talks are underway to re-open iconic London nightclub Fabric, which closed earlier this year following the drug-fuelled deaths of two teenagers, The Morning Advertiser (MA) understands. 

Local newspaper TheIslington Tribune ​reported this morning that the club’s lawyers were in advanced discussions over licensing conditions that could allow Fabric to open its doors once more.

However, Fabric owner Cameron Leslie told the local paper he was not at liberty to say whether discussions were being held.

The Farringdon club was closed back in August after two teenagers died. Its licence was revoked​ by Islington council in September, which slammed the venue as a “safe haven” for drug use.

Public safety

Speaking at the time, mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Clubbing needs to be safe, but I’m disappointed that Fabric, Islington Council and the Metropolitan Police were unable to reach agreement on how to address concerns about public safety.”

More than 100,000 people signed a petition to keep Fabric open​ following its closure.

Khan added: “As a result of this decision, thousands of people who enjoyed ‎going to Fabric as an essential part of London's nightlife will lose out.

“The issues faced by Fabric point to a wider problem of how we protect London’s night-time economy, while ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Past closures

Approximately 50% of the Capital’s nightclubs and 40% of its live music venues are estimated to have closed over the past eight years.

Khan recently announced the appointment of DJ, broadcaster and former mayoress of Camden, Amy Lamé, as London’s first ‘night czar’​ to champion the city’s night-time industry.

She said: “I’m confident that I can inspire a positive change in the way people think about the night-time economy.”

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