LONDON -- After hours of discussion, police got what they asked for: the closure of one of the world's most well-known nightclubs.
The local council said Fabric had failed to control the use of drugs on its premises. The decision to revoke Fabric's licence came just after 1 a.m. Wednesday -- a time of the night when people usually start queuing to get into the club.
SEE ALSO:London's nightlife is disappearing — here's why that's dangerous for the cityDJs and supporters who had filled the public viewing galleries at the hearing were quietly shocked, with some bursting into tears.
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On Twitter, the hashtag #FabricReview trended, as supporters around the world anxiously refreshed it, waiting for the decision.
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Tweet may have been deleted
Islington Council's decision comes after an extensive review of Fabric following the drug-related deaths of two teenagers this summer. The club had closed to cooperate with the police investigation.
The council's decision is final, but Alan Miller, Chair of the Night Time Industries Association, has said the NTIA would start a fund to fight the decision.
Supporters of the club expressed their sadness and rage on Twitter. Many of them said that closing the venue wouldn't stop people from doing drugs.
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Tweet may have been deleted
Tweet may have been deleted
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Tweet may have been deleted
Others made the point that the closure comes just as the Night Tube -- the 24-hour London Underground service on Fridays and Saturdays -- has started.
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Tweet may have been deleted
Others made reference to gentrification.
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Tweet may have been deleted
In explaining the decision, Islington Councillor Flora Williamson said: “Deaths at the club [there have been six in total] have involved young people, mainly in the 18-to-24 age group. Drug culture exists at the club and the management has been inadequate at controlling it.
“Sale and distribution of class-A drugs is particularly serious and problems have not been addressed. Revocation of the licence is appropriate and proportional in light of this.”
Almost 150,000 people had signed a petition to keep the club open. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Emily Thornberry had both stated their support for the club.
Fabric has not said yet whether it will appeal the decision.
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