26 November 2023 , 17:05
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A popular nightclub in London will close in December due to an increase in attacks and safety problems at the venue, in a "shock announcement" made by the owner.
G-A-Y Late in Soho will shut on December 10, with owner Jeremy Joseph announcing the news on social media. Joseph, who also owns Heaven and G-A-Y, said he made the decision with “great sadness” and understands the news will come as a “shock” to loyal customers.
In a letter shared on social media, the owner outlined a number of reasons for the decision, including a spike in attacks on customers and staff leaving the venue late and night and increased building and development works in the surrounding area, which caused multiple safety issues.
Joseph wrote: "Despite so many attempts to get police to visit and support G-A-Y Late, there are no regular checks on the venue. Police are seriously understaffed, the fact is there are not enough police protecting Westminster & when you are a standalone venue it’s impossible to guarantee customer and staff safety once they leave the premises.”
In a letter shared on social media, the owner outlined a number of reasons for the decision including a spike in attacks on customers and staff leaving the venue late and night (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Joseph went on to say he has done “everything I can to try and fight on" to keep the venue running but it came at a cost to his mental health. However, he did confirm that no staff members will lose their jobs and will instead be moved to new roles within the organisation.
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He said: "I want to thank all the customers who have supported G-A-Y Late & to all the staff who have made it one of the most successful LGBT venues in the UK. This is something I’m very proud of & something that can never be taken away from G-A-Y.”
Customers were quick to share their sorrow at the loss of the venue, with pop culture writer Nick Levine calling it an "end of an era". The Night Time Industries Association, the trade organisation for the night-time industry, called the closure a “real loss to the Industry”.