The future of London’s nightlife is a huge topic at the moment, and Sadiq Khan seems to have spurred conversations about the city’s dissolving club scene. He spoke a lot about it in his mayoral campaign, and displayed a genuine eagerness to help fix it. Clubs appear to be closing left, right and centre and Fabric is next in the firing line. The iconic nightclub has been shut for the past four weeks, after two 18 year olds died in two separate drug related incidences in just a matter of weeks. Despite Fabric announcing that it will reconsider security procedures, the Islington Borough Council is currently reviewing the club’s licence and deciding whether or not it should shut its doors permanently.
Resident DJ and promoter for the club, Jacob Husley, reacted to this decision by setting up a petition to save London’s nightlife and stop the closure of Fabric. The petition now has over 100,000 signatures, which includes support from top DJs, musicians and record labels such as Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada and Island Records.
Despite strong efforts and support, Sadiq Khan has recently responded to the petition explaining that, as much as he wants to help save London’s nighttime economy, he “does not have the power to intervene in licensing cases like the current situation with Fabric”. Nevertheless, he has urged that all involved parties try to reach some sort of agreement, suggesting that the club should stay open but “real action” needs to be taken to protect “the safety of those who want to enjoy London’s clubbing scene”.
A decision will be made on September 6, so watch this space. You can sign the petition here.
Feature image: Fabric London