Recent federal policing efforts in Washington, D.C., marketed as a response to violent crime, are actually impacting the city's vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife negatively. Bar owners report severe declines in sales and customer attendance, particularly following law enforcement checkpoints that led to numerous arrests. The heightened police presence has not only resulted in local patrons staying away but has also discouraged tourism. Business owners express deep concerns for the sustainability of their operations amid these changes and the associated fears in the community.
Mark Rutstein, co-owner of Crush Dance Bar, stated that federal and local agencies staged checkpoints on 14th Street resulting in 45 arrests, many immigration-related. He observed that the heightened law enforcement presence led to protests and prompted significant customer flight, with sales dropping drastically, down 75 percent on Thursday and more than half on Friday.
Dave Perruzza, owner of Pitchers and A League of Her Own, reported that the atmosphere on Friday was so desolate that it felt like 'a desert.' He noted a significant drop in customers, specifically mentioning the impact on Fridays and Saturdays when out-of-town patrons typically visit, leading to a loss of $7,000 in one night.
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