Printworks to Close after Council Approves Redevelopment as Offices
The end of an era for Rotherhithe raving is in sight after Southwark councillors gave the go ahead for Printworks to be redeveloped as offices.
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London Assembly Considers New Drug Safety Measures for Nightclubs
London Assembly’s Health Committee published a report arguing that drug checking services should be provided at clubs and music events in London to combat drug fatalities in the city. Drug-related deaths in England and Wales are at their highest level since comparable statistics began.
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Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Health Committee, said in a press statement:
Too many people are still dying from drug-related causes in London. We investigated how to address this tragedy and find out what practical, life-saving interventions could be used to reduce drug harm in our city.
Our investigation found that naloxone could save someoneās life if it’s used quickly after an opioid overdose. That is why we are urging the Mayor to ensure the Met routinely carry naloxone, a simple and proven way to reduce opioid deaths.
Additional measures recommended in our report, such as a pilot for safe drug consumption rooms and the introduction of drug checking services, can start to bring down the growing numbers of people sadly losing their lives due to problematic drug use.
Read Next: Why Psychedelics Got Laced into the Rave Scene
The report urges the Government to adopt a national naloxone program in England already adopted by Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It also asks that the Metropolitan police station provide officers with nasal naloxone spray when they come in contact with drug users who are in danger of overdosing.
The World Eyes Reopening of Nightlife with Mixed Emotions
It’s been over a year since the world seemed to come to a screeching halt. The global infiltration of the novel coronavirus set off a deadly pandemic society was ill-prepared for. The world went dark, and communities everywhere have endured a year of uncertainty.Ā For those working in the music industry, the shutdowns were devastating. The sudden loss of touring meant artists, promoters, venue staff, and many others lost their main source of income. Given these devastating losses, many in the electronic dance music industry have asked the question: when can nightlife return? As COVID-19 cases are on a downswing, the world eyes reopening of nightlife with mixed emotions within the dance music community.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan Responded to the #savefabric Petition
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Sadiq Khan, London’s recently appointed Mayor, has responded to the petition to save fabric following the club’s recent temporary license suspension.
Released on change.org today, the statement comes on the heels of his August 17th tweet, in which Khan pressed on the MetĀ Police and Islington Council “to find an approach that protects clubbers’ safety and the future of the club.”
Following the over 90,000 signatures on the petition, Khan’s latest statement is far lengthier but once again stresses his commitment to appoint a Night Czar for the city all the while pressing officials involved to save fabric’s present situation by finding a “common sense solution.”
The fullĀ statement reads:
Thank you for writing to me about the future of Fabric and Londonās night time economy.
Londonās iconic clubs are an essential part of our cultural landscape. As Mayor, I’m determined to do more to protect them, as well as our theatres, live music venues, artists workspaces, historic buildings and pubs. It is so important that people are able to enjoy a fun and safe night out in the capital.
As part of our wider plan to support the night time economy, I will appoint a Night Czar to lead this work by bringing together key stakeholders including club and venue owners, planning and licensing authorities, the Metropolitan Police and members of the public. No single organisation or public body can solve these problems alone ā we all need to work together to ensure London thrives as a 24-hour city, in a way that is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
I am committed to using the influence of my office to overcome the numerous challenges facing the night time economy. However, it is important to note that City Hall does not have the power to intervene in licensing cases like the current situation with Fabric.
Clubbing needs to be safe. There have been two tragic deaths at Fabric over recent months and there are clearly issues that need addressing.
Fabric, the Metropolitan Police and Islington will of course have to take real action to protect the safety of everyone who enjoys a night out at the club.
My team have spoken to all involved in the current situation and I am urging them to find a common sense solution that ensures the club remains open while protecting the safety of those who want to enjoy Londonās clubbing scene.
I welcome your call for us all to work together ā City Hall, Londonās music venues, local authorities, the police and others ā to make our clubs safer while also protecting our night time economy.
Best wishes,
Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London
Sign the petition here.
