Soho club G-A-Y Late to close due to safety fears
G-A-Y Late, one of several iconic LGBTQ+ venues in Soho, London, will be closing its doors in December.
The club’s owner, Jeremy Joseph, who also owns Heaven and G-A-Y Bar, has revealed that concerns for the safety of attendees have resulted in his decision to shut down the venue.
G-A-Y Late is located in Goslett Yard, an area that keeps being used as a parking space, subsequently affecting the accessibility of the club’s doors, particularly fire exits.
Additionally, Joseph cited a rise in attacks on attendees. He posted a statement online that explained, “As a result of sometimes being the only venue open late at night in the surrounding area, it has led to customers and staff being attacked on their way to and from the venue.”
He continued: “Despite so many attempts to get police to visit and support G-A-Y Late, there are no regular checks on the venue.” Citing the fact that “Police are seriously understaffed,” Joseph added, “It’s impossible to guarantee customer and staff safety once they leave the premises.”
“Crime continues to be one of the biggest issues for LGBT venues, but even harder when you are at a venue with no other venues around you,” Joseph stressed.
The staff employed at G-A-Y Late have been offered jobs at G-A-Y Bar or Heaven, with the former set to stay open until 1am to make up for the loss of G-A-Y Late.
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