G-A-Y Bar Is Closing This Weekend

"The G-A-Y Bar closure follows the shuttering of sister bar G-A-Y Late in in 2023, which happened for a number of reasons, including the impact of Crossrail building works and the development of St Giles and Denmark Street, which blocked the bar's entrance, fire exit and queue area; safety concerns with customers and staff being attacked on their way to and from the club; and lack of support from the police due to understaffing."

"The venue re-opened with stricter operating conditions and the staff member was found not guilty, but the temporary closure while under review put G-A-Y Bar "at risk financially", and he made the decision to put the bar up for sale."

"When I opened G-A-Y Bar, it was to be one of the safest and most proudly LGBT streets - a place where you could be who you are and feel safe. For me, Old Compton Street has lost that LGBT identity."

Jeremy Joseph put G-A-Y Bar up for sale in January after financial strain linked to a temporary closure connected to allegations at his other venue, Heaven. The Charing Cross club temporarily closed at the end of last year after an allegation that a member of staff raped a woman; the staff member was later found not guilty and the venue reopened with stricter operating conditions. The review-related closure placed G-A-Y Bar "at risk financially", prompting the sale. Soho Estates allowed rent-free occupancy during the pandemic. Sister venue G-A-Y Late closed in 2023 because of Crossrail works, blocked access, safety concerns and understaffed police. Joseph will focus on Heaven after a rent arbitration produced a reduced, manageable increase.

Read at London On The Inside