Fabric to re-open
Fabric has been saved!
Fabric is to reopen.
The club and Islington council have agreed changes to the venue's licence which will allow it to continue operating.
These additions are as follows:
• The use of a new I.D. scanning system on entry to the club - Enhanced searching procedures and controls Covert surveillance within the club - Life-time 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 2000 hours on a Friday until 0800 hours on the following Monday or on any day during the hours that the operators promote a Core Club Night
The club was due to appeal the revocation of its licence next week, but after a number of meetings between fabric and Islington Licensing Authority, as well as meetings between the Authority and the Metropolitan Police, a decision has been reached out of court.
A statement released by The London Borough of Islington and Fabric Life Limited says that the above points are to "ensure a Zero Tolerance approach to drug possession, consumption and sale within the club" and that the venue has also produced a new operations manual outlining how this is to be achieved.
It also says that fabric accepts that its old search procedures were insufficient as were efforts to prevent the consumption and dealing of drugs in the club. it will not re-open until the licence additions are installed and is "committed to ensuring the safety of [its] patrons".
This is a massive win for the UK, and worldwide, clubbing community and follows months of campaigning by fans and the dance music industry.
More news when we have it.