Fabric reopening: Clubbers cast doubt on drugs clampdown as Farringdon venue finally reopens its doors

Reopening: Fabric saw long queues as it opened its doors again
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The doors of London’s world famous Fabric nightclub have finally reopened after a four month closure.

Hundreds of clubbers queued for the re-opening of the Farringdon institution on Friday night with new licensing conditions including a raised entry age and tougher security measures.

The venue had its licence revoked in September after Islington Council found it had a "culture of drug use". Last year two 18-year-olds died after taking illegal substances in the venue.

As the club opened its doors again after a huge campaign for it to be “saved”, medics walked up and down the length of the queue, announcing: "If any of you or your friends are feeling unwell then please come and see us."

Police confirmed on Saturday there were no arrests and "no incidents of concern" on the night of the reopening.

Bouncers asked for identity documents to be out and ready and club staff reminded partygoers about their welfare areas.

Travelling all the way from Virginia, America, Justin Watson said it was his first time visiting Fabric: "We came from the States for the opening.

Tightened security: the queue for Fabric
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"We have never been before and are both DJs and are trying to check out places before they close.

"I'm definitely excited - it's an institution."

Warning: A sign outside Fabric on its reopening night
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Ricky Payne from Hayes, west London, said its reopening is "brilliant" and "absolutely amazing".

The 27-year-old added: "Where else do we have to go? It is the best club in the world - an institution."

On the issue of drugs, he said it has "always been strict" but he said "people got them in".

Tighter security greeted clubbers at Fabric
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Luke Peasland, 25, from Colchester, Essex, said the reopening is the "best thing that could happen", while Matt Springeett, 25, from Ipswich added of the club's reputation for drug use: "It is a minority ruining it for everyone."

Others said they feared the atmosphere could be “ruined” by the clampdown on drugs.

A couple from London, in their early 20s, said: “The amnesty boxes are a nice idea but I doubt they will be used.

"You need to understand what you are taking really if you come to a place like this."

A 29-year-old Italian woman added: “It's about time it reopened. I don't think it was Fabric's fault that led it to be shut.

"Instead of a drugs amnesty box there should be testing kits on site so people can check what they are taking is safe.

"There could also be more information about drugs and the safe way to enjoy them, rather than pretending people shouldn't bring any in at all."

Saved from closure: Nightclub Fabric
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Another clubber, Kristof Wasmuht, 24, said: "Whilst the hour-long queue waiting for people to search you from top to bottom was a sobering experience, the atmosphere as you entered into room 1 for the first time in several months made you realise why it was all worth it.

"There was no sense of animosity; just a resonating sense of joy that the venue was once again able to cater itself to the needs of London's buzzing underground scene, and that the culture of electronic music was accepted as an important component of London's nightlife."

Scotland Yard, which had applied for the licence to be reviewed, 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."

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.

Club deaths: Jack Crossley and Ryan Browne

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.

A sign at the entrance to the queuing area outside the club greeted punters with a polite request to "respect our zero policy to drugs".

It added: "Anyone found with illegal drugs will be banned from the venue and reported to the police."

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