Police to join bouncers outside Fabric as iconic nightclub reopens with tougher security

Patrick Grafton-Green6 January 2017

Bouncers at Fabric will be supported by police when the venue opens its doors for the first time since September.

The world-famous nightclub, one of London's biggest, nearly closed for good last year after Islington Council found it had a "culture of drug use".

It had its licence revoked in September following the deaths of 18-year-olds Ryan Browne and Jack Crossley after taking illegal substances at the venue.

The club, in Farringdon, will re-open its doors on Friday night after all parties agreed to new licensing conditions including a raised entry age and tougher security measures.

Reopening: Fabric nightclub will reopen its doors on Friday 
Rex

Scotland Yard said while police usually patrol nightlife in the area officers will be specifically stationed at Fabric "to support the door team who may need our help".

Superintendent Nick Davies said: "As things settle down and it becomes business as normal for Fabric they will be subject of the same police and licensing visits as other clubs in the borough."

Licence conditions include a ban on anyone under the age of 19 entering the venue between 8pm on Fridays and 8am on Mondays.

Fabric: the club's closure sparked an outcry

It also states anyone found in possession of drugs in the club or who tries to buy drugs will be handed a life ban.

The club has also pledged to introduce a new ID scanning system, improve search procedures and introduce covert surveillance in the venue.

Jack Crossley, from Worcester Park, Surrey, died on the morning of August 6 after becoming unwell at the club.

His inquest, held earlier this week, heard he had smuggled drugs into the venue in his boxers before buying more inside.

Ryan Browne died in hospital on June 25 after taking ecstasy on a night out at Fabric.

He died due to "recreational drug use gone wrong", his inquest was told.

Last month the club's managing director Gary Kilbey warned visitors not to bring drugs to the club.

On the Fabric blog he wrote: "Our longevity also relies on you our supportive clientele who we are so dependent on, we still need your help.

“We need you to come with the conditions of our reopening in mind and help us achieve a drug free environment."

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