Police are calling for a review of its license after four drug-related deaths in three years
Legendary techno and house nightclub Fabric could be the latest London venue to close its doors – not because of gentrification or shady property developers, but because of drugs.
According to the Evening Standard, 12 incidents of drug possession or dealing were recorded between April and October of this year. Islington council is reportedly meeting to review its license tonight.
UPDATE: FACT posted some insight from Ed Gillett, who combed the council docs. He doesn't think it's likely that Fabric will close, but stricter security measures will be introduced. These measures include sniffer dogs on the door, a new CCTV system, thorough searches of every person and bag and the removal of outdoor heating.
Everything should become clearer after tonight's meeting, though closure is still a possibility. When reached, Islington council was unable to comment. For what it's worth, those mooted security measures point towards a clubbing experience similar to a short stay in Alcatraz – meaning that Fabric's vibe will disappear even if the club doesn't.
In the past three years, eight people have collapsed in Fabric after taking drugs, four of whom died. In September a girl died after taking MDMA. Police view the Farringdon club as one of London's most difficult nightspots.
The authorities are adamant that Fabric needs to introduce more stringent security measures such as sniffer dogs to combat the presence of drugs within the club, though they did acknowledge in their report to the council that Fabric is a world-famous nightclub.
PC Steven Harrington said: "It attracts clientele from all over Europe and it would seem that the immaturity or lifestyle of these patrons leads to them becoming actively involved in the taking of illegal drugs and this could account for the disproportionate and wholly unacceptable number of deaths and near death incidents at the venue."
Residents appear to have mixed feelings on the prospective closure. The Islington Gazette published a list of reactions from locals, with one saying: "Keep it open, this is the funkiness of the area we embraced". Another expressed disappointment that laughing gas canisters, piss and even human excrement could be found in the street after a big nights at Fabric.
Fabric has been voted "Best Club In The World" twice by DJ Mag, but tonight could see the curtains closed on yet another era of London nightlife.
