'Spike in attacks' prompts closure of legendary London nightclub
Jeremy Joseph, the owner of nightclub G-A-Y, said the decision was made after attacks on staff and safety concerns over a building development in the area.
A legendary London nightclub is to shut for good after its owner said there had seen a "spike in attacks".
G-A-Y has been based in Soho for 44 years, but the LGBT nightclub will close its doors on December 10.
Boss Jeremy Joseph said increased building and development works around the site had caused safety issues for staff, while there had been increased attacks on customers and staff.
Taking to social media, Mr Joseph said he made the decision with "great sadness" and added that he knew the move would come as a shock for the venue's loyal customers.
He wrote on Twitter: "Despite so many attempts to get police to visit and support G-A-Y Late, there are no regular checks on the venue.
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"Police are seriously understaffed, the fact is there are not enough police protecting Westminster and when you are a standalone venue it's impossible to guarantee customer and staff safety once they leave the premises.
"Crime continues to be one of the biggest challenges for LGBT venues, but even harder when you are a venue with no other venues around you."
He said keeping the nightclub running had come at a "great cost" to his mental health, adding that all members of staff would be keeping their jobs and moving to either Heaven or G-A-Y Bar, both also based in London.
Mr Joseph added that as a result of the closure he would be increasing the capacity of Heaven, which is also used as a music venue, and making it wheelchair accessible.
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He added: "I want to thank all the customers who have supported G-A-Y Late and 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.”
Mr Joseph also said he would be opening G-A-Y Bar in Old Compton Street until 1am in an attempt to fill the gap left by the closed venue.