Responding to the news that Islington Council has revoked Fabric’s licence, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has warned that local authorities need to work more closely with the sector, or risk further venue closures, damage to the UK economy and an erosion of the country’s world-renowned music scene.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls: “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 innovative, 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 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.
“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.”