A controversial ruling Tuesday ended an era in British nightlife with the decision to close London’s Fabric nightclub. The venue, which remained a staple of British clubbing and live music for nearly 20 years, had its license revoked following two recent drug-related fatalities at the club and a pervasive “culture of drugs.” While Fabric’s owners might appeal the decision, it’s largely being viewed as the latest death knell in London’s declining nightlife scene. Following the news, several of Britain’s biggest artists indebted to the club circuit — including Disclosure, Hudson Mohawke, and Katy B — have shared their thoughts on the vote, with many sharply criticizing the closing and all mourning the loss of a cultural institution.
London’s mayor Sadiq Khan (who can’t overturn a licensing vote) also released a statement expressing his disappointment that the voting council couldn’t find a compromise to prevent drug deaths while also keeping Fabric’s doors open: “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.” Fabric’s owners have called the decision a “troubling precedent for the future of London’s night time economy.”
Update, November 23: Start celebrating, you London club-hoppers. Per the New York Times, Fabric will soon be reopening its doors after agreeing to “tough new measures to prevent drug abuse in the club.” In a hearing on Monday, the magistrates court agreed that Fabric would be allowed to reopen if new anti-drug measures were strictly enforced, which included preventing anyone under the age of 19 from entering and banning anyone for life if they were caught using or dealing drugs. “So many different people stepped up to put their voices to our cause,” Fabric said in a statement, “artists from all corners of the music community, fellow promoters who have put on huge events from us and clubbers from around the world who all united behind us.” The specific opening date has yet to be announced.
