One of London's biggest nightclubs is to shut after its licence was revoked.
Representatives of the world-renowned Fabric nightclub gathered at Islington Council to make their case for the popular venue to remain open, after police raised concerns about drugs on the premises.
Last month the Met Police applied to the council for the licence to be reviewed, due to what it described as “concerns about serious crime” associated with the nightclub.
The nightspot in Farringdon closed temporarily after the deaths of two teenagers from suspected drug overdoses earlier this year.
In the run-up to the council's decision, announced in the early hours of Wednesday morning, a petition to save the club had received almost 150,000 signatures.
The move is only the latest in a series of closure that have blighted London's nightlife.
DJ Jacob Husley, who has worked at the club's Sunday night party for the past eight years, said he was surprised by the decision.
He said: “We are in shock. I am feeling a mixture of disbelief and anger and sadness.”
Asked what the closure of the club would mean, he said: “It would be a devastating blow for London and culture, and clubs across the UK. It sets a precedent.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had previously said he was “determined” to do more to protect London's “iconic clubs” but that City Hall did not have the power to intervene in licensing cases like this one.
He urged everyone involved to “find a common-sense solution that ensures the club remains open while protecting the safety of those who want to enjoy London's clubbing scene”.
Mr Husley said he could not say whether the club's owners will appeal but added that he hoped “we are not finished with this”.
Press Association
