Multipurpose Milan venue DKR has been shuttered by police following a reported noise disturbance and allegations that it’s operating without the correct certification.
While the Via Merano venue “strongly” denies any claims that it is wrongly operating as a commercial club, telling Resident Advisor this week that “all association activities have been carried out in full compliance with state and municipal regulations”, authorities have since placed DKR under preventive seizure.
The venue took to Instagram to fight back against allegations, writing in one story that the decision “isn’t right” and that they’re only attempting to “do something nice for the city”.
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The team behind the grassroots venue – which hosts electronic events, yoga sessions and community activities – also described the space as a “cultural association that does not require a public performance permit”, despite allegations by authorities.
Milano Today reports that a Milanese city councillor criticised “noise disturbance” allegedly caused by DKR’s events, saying parties can “begin in the afternoon the day before and continue until 11:AM the following morning.”
“DKR has always paid the utmost attention to the safety of its members and has implemented everything necessary,” the venue stressed on Instagram. “DKR has only volunteer members and has no employees. DKR has contributed to the redevelopment of the NoLo area and provided a shared space for many people and communities.”
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In response to the abrupt closure, DKR said that demonstrations will go ahead in Milan’s central square, though no date or time has been set as of yet.
“This closure has left a huge void, but we will soon fill it,” the club’s Camilla Costa said on Instagram. “We have built a cohesive team and surrounded ourselves with talented and loyal collaborators and volunteers.”
“We are ready to rebound and demonstrate to everyone that we operate legally despite the barriers this country places on this industry,” she added, hinting at crackdowns on nightlife across Italy in recent years.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X