London’s Fabric nightclub has been shut down, with the venue’s license having been revoked following the deaths of two 19-year-old men who overdosed on drugs in the club.
The police force of London met at Islington Town Hall in order to decide whether the club’s doors should remain open, with the local council concluding that searches by the venue’s security staff had been inadequate and in breach of their license. The decision was finally made to permanently shut down the venue as a result.
Almost immediately after the trial, a Change.org petition was set up to encourage London mayor Sadiq Khan to appeal the decision, with it reading: “Fabric do their best to keep their customers safe and protect them from drugs and adopt a zero drugs policy. Closing a venue such as fabric would be an incredibly short-sighted response to a complex problem.” Following the decision many took to Twitter to express their frustrations with the decision, pointing out how the shutting down of one club wouldn’t curb drug problems in the region, along with expressing concern that Fabric’s closure could lead to the area being used for property development.
Perhaps the worst thing about this case is using those tragic deaths as ammunition for property development. Absolutely fucking shameful.
— Clive Martin (@thugclive) September 6, 2016
Many expressed dissatisfaction with those who appeared in court to discuss whether or not the venue should be shut down, stating that they didn’t adequately represent the demographic that would want Fabric to remain open, thus leading to an inherently biased conclusion. A number of musicians and DJs spoke up about the decision on Twitter, lamenting the decline of London’s nightlife.
Pure sadness about Fabric. London is being ruined right now.
— Four Tet (@FourTet) September 7, 2016
Rip fabric
They’re killing youth culture in this city strategically
— ZOMBY ® (@ZombyMusic) September 7, 2016
First Bowie, then Prince, now Fabric. It’s been an emotional year #2016
— carl craig (@carlcraignet) September 7, 2016
I slept on it, I’m still absolutely pissed off, angry, upset and speechless. I refuse to say goodbye to Fabric, this cannot happen
— Crissy Criss (@CrissyCriss) September 7, 2016
The petition to Sadiq Khan has already reached its goal of 150,000 signatures, meaning that the letter will be sent to the Mayor of London asking him to appeal the decision.
