London club Fabric to improve security and procedures after drug-related closure

Fabric nightclub in London says it will continue to work with police and the local council after it was forced to shut.

Its licence has been suspended while a 28-day review is carried out following the drug-related deaths of two men.

In a statement on Facebook, Fabric said it would improve security measures and independently review all its procedures.

"The safety of our customers is our number one priority," it said.

"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."

Islington Council said last week that "the Metropolitan Police had applied for an interim suspension of Fabric's licence".

"Fabric agreed not to contest this application, and a licensing sub-committee has suspended Fabric's licence. This will be followed by a review of Fabric's licence within 28 days."

The Met also explained its reasons for requesting the suspension.

"Officers felt the need to act due to concerns about the safety of those attending the club because of the supply of class A drugs in the venue and the recent deaths of two young men linked to the club."

Continuing its statement, Fabric said it had been praised for its work dealing with drugs in the past.

"We recognise that illegal drugs are a particular issue in the clubbing sphere which many venues like ours have challenges in addressing," it said.

"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."

Watch our documentary - Where have all the clubs gone?

London mayor Sadiq Khan urged the Farringdon club, the police and Islington Council to try to deal with the problem.

He wrote this message on Twitter.

Mr Khan has also launched the search for a new night tsar for London.

The aide will focus on boosting the London's night-time culture and make it a "24-hour city".

The successful candidate will work two-and-a-half days a week for £35,000 and follows the launch of London's night tube services, which sees the Victoria and Central lines run around the clock at weekends.

The Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines follow later this year.

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