In a heartfelt letter shared on social media, Joseph outlined several reasons for the closure, including a surge in attacks on late-night customers and staff. The club’s location as one of the few venues open late in the area contributed to safety issues as the bar’s entrance, fire exit, and queue often became blocked due to ongoing building and development works in the vicinity.
Joseph lamented the lack of regular police checks and support for G-A-Y Late, citing the serious understaffing of the police force in Westminster as a significant challenge. He emphasized that being a standalone venue made it impossible to guarantee the safety of customers and staff once they left the premises.
While expressing his commitment to fighting to keep G-A-Y Late going, Joseph acknowledged the toll it had taken on his mental health, stating that it had become unsustainable personally. Despite the closure, he confirmed that no staff members would lose their jobs; instead, they would be relocated to new roles at G-A-Y and Heaven, another club he owns.
In addition to the closure, G-A-Y’s license will be extended to 1 am, and there is an application to increase Heaven’s capacity and make it wheelchair accessible for the first time in its 44-year history.
Customers and supporters expressed their sadness at the loss of the iconic venue, with many sharing their fond memories and experiences at G-A-Y Late. The closure was described as the “end of an era,” and patrons reminisced about their time at the club, highlighting its significance in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Night Time Industries Association, the trade organization for the night-time industry, also expressed its regret over the closure, calling it a “real loss to the Industry.”
The closure of G-A-Y Late marks a poignant moment in London’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, with the club having played a significant role in the community for years.