Drug deaths could close world-famous Farringdon club Fabric

Fabric club in Charterhouse Street Archant

One of the most famous clubs in the world faces closure after a spate of drug-related deaths on the premises.

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The fate of Fabric, in Charterhouse Street, will be decided by an Islington Council licensing committee tonight [Thursday] after police called for a review.

Officers say eight people have collapsed from ecstasy use at the Farringdon superclub during the last three years – four of whom died, and two of those in the last few months.

In his report, Ch Supt Steve Deehan said: “Immaturity of lifestyle of the patrons leads to them becoming actively involved in the taking of illegal drugs and this could account for the disproportionate and wholly unacceptable number of deaths and near death incidents at the venue.”

He criticised the club for not informing police about the latest death – an 18-year-old-girl in September – which could “seriously frustrate a criminal investigation”

He said: “I am extremely concerned and very disappointed that I find myself addressing you regarding yet another serious drug-related incident.”

Stripping Fabric of its licence is being “seriously considered to prevent further deaths”.

Letters have flooded in from the public, both for and against closure.

One resident described watching a group of men “tripping” and “out of their box on something more than alcohol” trying to climb fences and lurching into the path of lorries.

They also note good natured but noisy drug parties going on into the afternoon, as well as finding laughing gas canisters and “human excrement and urine” in the street.

In support of the club, one resident said; “Keep it open... this is the funkiness of the area we embraced.”

A second neighbour said: “The club has such a world-renowned reputation and is on the list for many tourists. I find it appalling that people can move close to a nightclub that has stood there for 10 years, adding much to the city’s culture and diversity, and then complain about the noise.”

Another said they were “proud to live next door” to the club.

A spokesman for Fabric said they could not comment until the process had been concluded.