Fabric’s appeal hearing is set to take place in November

After being forced to close earlier this year after Islington Council revoked its license, Fabric’s appeal hearing is to take place at the end of next month.

In a transparency statement to update the public on efforts to save the iconic London institution, Fabric’s managing director Gary Kilbey confirmed that the appeal hearing will take place on 28th November at Highbury Magistrates Court. He also said that funds raised to save the nightclub stand at a total of just over £253,000.

The venue’s closure came in the light of several drug-related deaths, with the Met Police getting slightly dramatic, and calling Fabric “a safe haven for the supply and consumption of illegal drugs”. Fabric was previously cited as a leading example in the clubbing industry, with a strong track record in drug regulation.

Fabric have now hired a legal team, headed up by Philip Kolvin QC. The licensing legal expert has a great deal of experience in the field; he sits on the advisory board of the Night Time Industries Association, and was formerly chairman of Purple Flag - a national scheme promoting safe and diverse night time economies. He is representing Fabric in the case at a “significantly discounted rate”.

Fabric is also drafting a proposal to change the Home Secretaries Guidance under the Licensing Act. “We have put this to a number of trade and music industry organisations and associations to seek their opinion, advice and support,” say Fabric. “We want to ensure this is something the industry as whole are able to get behind.”

In the run-up to the hearing, Fabric will continue to post fortnightly updates.