Earlier this month, Islington councillors sent the nation’s revellers into meltdown when they voted to close London’s most iconic nightclub, Fabric.

The decision was triggered by the deaths of two teenagers who had visited the nightclub, with councillors deciding that drug prevention measures at the venue were “grossly inadequate”.

But despite the councillors’ worries, protesters ranging from politicians to renowned DJs have come out in criticism of Fabric’s closure, with many viewing Fabric’s closure as symbolic of a wider problem facing the capital – the demise of its nightlife.

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Jacob Husley, a DJ at Fabric for the past eight years, said the closure was a “devastating blow for London and culture” while a spokesman for Fabric said the decision “sets a troubling precedent”.

Even London Mayor Sadiq Khan has rushed to the club’s defence.

He said: “The issues faced by Fabric point to a wider problem of how we protect London’s night-time economy, while ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

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Closed: Tiger Tiger left revellers in Croydon devasted after it closed its doors in january

According to City Hall, London has lost 50 per cent of its nightclubs and 40 per cent of its live music venues over the past eight years.

South of the Thames, it is a decline arguably most felt in Croydon, which saw major brand Tiger Tiger close its doors in January.

Monday, January 5: Revellers mourn as Tiger Tiger nightclub in Croydon announces closure

Wednesday, July 15: New guidelines on clubs and bars branded an 'attack' on Kingston's nightlife

Thursday, September 15: National theatres body expresses concern as Sutton Council refuses to say if it will look to save troubled venues the Secombe and the Cryer

Such was the outcry that Croydon Council leader Tony Newman was forced to deny accusations he was “managing away” the borough’s nightlife.

He said: “If nightclubs are profitable, they keep running. Croydon is changing, but there is a lot of stuff happening out there you might call grass roots stuff. I think there is a vibrant economy out there.”

But it is not just Croydon Council that has come under fire for failing to protect London’s night time economy.

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Neighbouring Sutton’s two major theatres, the Secombe and the Cryer, are also under threat having closed last month amid financial difficulties.

Last week, Sutton Council refused to say whether it would look to save the venues.

In July, Kingston Council was also accused of “attacking nightlife and culture” after councillors approved a new licensing policy stating that only “safe, orderly and attractive” venues could open in the borough over the next five years.

Councillor Jon Tolley runs his own themed party New Slang at Kingston’s Hippodrome and opposed the new policy.

He said: “It’s a battle to keep clubs open, not just because licensing rules are strict. It’s hard because councils are tough.

“I don’t think most councillors understand the things they’re talking about – they’re too removed from the practices that happen there.”

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On the record: Cllr Tolley has criticised Kingston Council's management of its night time economy 

Last week, the shutter to the entrance of Cllr Tolley’s store Banquet Records was spray painted with #SaveFabric.

He added: “You’re not going to solve the problem of drug use by closing [Fabric]. It is an attack on all nightlife, specifically at a time when we are talking about the night tube.”

Cllr Ian George, vice chair of the licensing committee, said: “Our new policy aims to support and promote responsibly run establishments that contribute to keeping our borough a vibrant, yet safe place in which people want to live, work and relax. 

"I find it very odd that a Liberal Democrat councillor should attack the new policy because it supports ‘safe, orderly and attractive’ licensed venues for Kingston. Does he really want the opposite?”

In March, former mayor Boris Johnson launched the London Night Time Commission – an investigatory body tasked with protecting the capital’s night time economy.

Among City Hall’s plans is the appointment of a “night czar” to bring together venue owners and authorities amid the “numerous challenges” facing the capital.

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'Wider problem': London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed concern over Fabric's closure 

According to City Hall statistics, clubs and bars contribute £26.3bn to London’s annual GDP.

Allan Miller, chairman of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “What we are seeing is a situation where all the hard work we are doing with the Night Time Commission is now being jeopardised.

“Businesses are being held accountable for individual behaviour which doesn’t happen anywhere else.

“We have to recognise that the contribution of night life is enormous.”