Fabric to reassess safety procedures in light of drug-related deaths

by: Lizzie Renck Aug 24, 2016

As a response to the recent loss of two clubgoers, Fabric has pledged to reevaluate its safety procedures in an effort to reduce harm and prevent drug-related crime onsite.

Earlier this month, the UK nightclub was forced to temporarily shut its doors while officials investigated the passing of two 18-year-old males. Fabric’s license was rescinded for 28 days until next steps are identified, during which time a number of DJs came together on Twitter to defend Fabric’s honor as a sacred component of London’s nightlife. Sadiq Khan, the city’s mayor, also stepped up to the plate urging the Metropolitan Police, Islington Council and Fabric’s management to brainstorm solutions.

Read Fabric’s full statement below.

Following the tragic incidents that recently occurred at our venue, we wanted to extend our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of those concerned. We pride ourselves on running a safe venue, and we feel extremely saddened by the events that have taken place in recent weeks.

The safety of our customers is our number one priority. Since we opened our doors in 1999, we have always worked closely with the police and the licensing authority in adopting the most effective known techniques to reduce harm and prevent drug-related crime on our premises and we continue to look at new ways we can improve our processes. We currently have comprehensive drug reduction policies in place, including a pioneering system with the police to log and handover any drugs we confiscate.

We recognise that illegal drugs are a particular issue in the clubbing sphere which many venues like ours have challenges in addressing. We have zero tolerance to drugs on the premises and, as recently as December last year, we were described by District Judge Allison in a court judgement as a “beacon of best practice” in managing this issue.

We know there are always areas where we can improve, and, following the recent tragic deaths, we are undertaking a thorough review of the lessons we can learn. As part of this we are independently reviewing all of our procedures to ensure that we have the best possible processes in place to keep our customers safe.

As acknowledged by the Mayor of London, clubs are a central part of the night time economy and London’s music and creative industry and they are in real danger of extinction. We hope to work constructively with the police and the London Borough of Islington to ensure that, in providing the safest possible environment for music-lovers, we continue to operate after nearly two decades as a leading part of the London club scene.

We’d also like to say a huge thank you to all of you that have shown your support over the last couple of weeks, it really does mean a lot.