G-A-Y Bar owner Jeremy Joseph cites financial damage and ongoing challenges with authorities as reasons for selling the iconic London venue. He blames restrictive policies and a lack of support from authorities for the decline of Soho's nightlife.
One of central London's main LGBTQ+ bars has been put up for sale, with its owner stating that Soho has 'lost its vibrancy'. G-A-Y Bar owner Jeremy Joseph announced the 'tough decision' following the closure of his other venue, Heaven nightclub. He criticized Westminster Council and the Metropolitan Police , as well as local residents' groups, for being overly resistant to measures like late-night licenses, which he believes would benefit the nightlife industry. \'This isn't an easy decision.
To me, it is more than just a bar; it's also my home — I've lived above it for over 15 years,' Mr. Joseph said in a statement. He added that the closure of Heaven while its license was under review had put G-A-Y Bar 'at risk financially'. 'Even now after Heaven's reopening, the damage financially and mentally has been irreparable,' he said. The venue was closed at the request of the Metropolitan Police and reviewed by the council following an alleged rape. During the review process, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson described it as 'a venue of concern'. New security measures were implemented, with police input, and the council's licensing committee allowed it to reopen last month. \Following the closure of another one of his venues, G-A-Y Late, in 2023, he had planned to apply for a late-night license for his remaining venue under that brand. However, he later decided against this, feeling it would face too many objections from the council, police, and residents. 'It's a constant uphill battle, and another fight in the cost of living crisis which has negatively impacted all of the hospitality sector,' he said. 'It doesn't feel like anyone with power cares about hospitality, and it definitely doesn't feel like they care about LGBT venues.' He said when he opened the venue on Old Compton Street, it was the 'gayest street in the gayest capital'. The nightclub owner expressed his desire for G-A-Y Bar to remain an LGBT venue and also considered a franchising option to achieve that but believes it would not happen 'in the current climate'
LGBTQ+ G-A-Y Bar Soho Jeremy Joseph Nightlife Licensing Westminster Council Metropolitan Police
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