London
ALMR "disappointed" at closure of Fabric
The body is urging local authorities to work together with the late-night sector in order 'to reduce further venue closures, damage to the UK economy and a breakdown of the nation’s world-renowned music scene' following the closure of the Farringdon-based club.
'Very disappointed'
Chief executive of the ALMR Kate Nicholls said: “We are very disappointed with Islington Council’s decision and we are sorry to lose a leading ALMR member and one of the UK’s most innovate, popular and lauded nightclubs.
“Management at the club were acutely aware of their responsibilities and had practices in place to ensure the safety of their customers, as highlighted by Islington South & Finsbury MP Emily Thornberry, who was happy with the club’s best practice. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called for a 'common sense' solution, which is exactly the kind of working relationship the licensed hospitality sector is trying to foster, and exactly what we did not get from Islington Council.
Vocal champion
“The ALMR has been a vocal champion of the UK’s late-night economy and we believe that nightclubs such as Fabric are not just crucial economic drivers, but an integral part of the country’s social zeitgeist. Both local and national authorities need to work closely with the sector, not fight against it, or we risk losing more venues and doing irreparable damage to the UK’s music culture.”
The club closed temporarily last month (August) and had its licence revoked yesterday (6 September) by Islington Borough Council following the death of two men after they had taken drugs at the site.
The central London venue became a member of the ALMR back in 2013 and was the 14th late-night business to join the body since it merged with the Bar, Entertainment and Dance Association in 2012.
