Rave on: Fabric nightclub will reopen after it reached a deal with Islington council

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London clubbers, rejoice: London's best-loved superclub is set to reopen, after a court rubber-stamped new licensing restrictions Fabric agreed with Islington council.

The club's license was revoked indefinitely in the summer after the drug-related deaths of two teenagers.

But under new rules set out in a 155-page document, clubbers under 19 years old will be banned on most weekend nights, while those caught using drugs will be banned for life. The conditions also include ID scanners and CCTV monitoring.

Islington council said it was happy with the measures, and will not oppose Fabric at an appeal on 28 November.

Among notable Londoners celebrating the decision was Sadiq Khan, who was quick to show his approval:
​https://twitter.com/MayorofLondon/status/800725316817690626

In a Facebook post he added that a "common-sense solution" was needed, which "protects both the future of Fabric and the safety of all clubbers". 

"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. Over the past eight years, London has lost 50 per cent of its nightclubs and 40 per cent of its live music venues. This decline must stop if London is to retain its status as a 24-hour city with a world-class nightlife."

In a rather rambling statement, Islington council added that Fabric had accepted there had been failings. 

"The authority is now satisfied that the statutory licensing objectives may be met short of revocation of the premises licence. It is for these reasons that it has decided not to oppose Fabric’s appeal. Fabric Life will pay Islington’s costs in these proceedings directly and not from the monies pledged by supporters."

New rules: What Fabric has signed up to
  • The use of a new ID scanning system on entry to the club
  • Enhanced searching procedures and controls
  • Covert surveillance within the club
  • Lifetime bans for anyone found in possession of drugs, whether on entry or within the club
  • Life-time bans for anyone trying to buy drugs in the club
  • Enhanced monitoring and external auditing for compliance against procedures
  • Physical changes to the club, including improved lighting and additional CCTV provision
  • A new security company
  • Persons under 19 years of age shall not be permitted to be on the premises as a customer or guest from 8pm on a Friday until 8am on the following Monday or on any day during the hours that the operators promote a Core Club Night

Ecstacy deaths

Fabric's doors shut permanently in August after two ecstacy deaths at the club prompted councillors to insist a "culture of drugs" existed at the venue.

The move prompted an outpouring of emotion from London clubbers, who rallied around Fabric's owners to help its #savefabric campaign. A crowdfunding campaign raised £200,000 in just over a fortnight, while they scrambled to sign a petition to prevent the closure of the club. 

At the time, Khan said:

London’s iconic clubs are an essential part of our cultural landscape. 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.

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.

Night mayor

At the beginning of this month Khan appointed writer, DJ, performer and campaigner Amy Lame as the capital's new night mayor, with the aim of turning it into a "24-hour city".

Khan cited Fabric's closure as one of the reasons London needs a night mayor to boost nightlife. 

“The recent closure of the world-famous nightclub Fabric and the threats facing other venues across the capital show why Amy will be a much-needed ambassador for the city after dark," he said.