Another prominent Brighton gay venue is to shut as the R-Bar prepares to close its doors for the last time.
The news comes days after the Charles Street Tap also announced that it would shut some time next month.
The R-Bar said today (Tuesday 11 August): “It is with enormous sadness that we announce today that R-Bar will be closing its doors permanently next month.
“We are absolutely devastated to be losing another LGBTQ+ venue in Brighton at a time when safe queer spaces are more important than ever – just a few days after Charles Street Tap also announced that they will be closing their doors for good in September.
”If there’s one thing we’d ask, it’s this: please support your local LGBTQ+ venues going forwards.
“They are here for our community 52 weeks a year but they can only survive if we continue to use them.
”For now, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has been part of this beautiful journey.
“To the bartenders, the managers, the security, the drag queens, the DJs, the performers – thank you for everything you’ve done to help create a bit of magic at R-Bar over the years!
“And – of course – to all the customers who became regulars – you’ve also become part of our unique and wonderful extended queer family.
“Thank you for every drink, every dance, every laugh and every memory.”
Brighton Pavilion and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward described the closure as “really sad news” alongside the loss of Charles Street Tap.
Mr Ward said: “For decades they’ve been places of joy, freedom and inclusion, and its a huge loss to see two major LGBTQ+ venues in our city close.
“This just underlines that we need to do much more both localy and nationally to support our night-time economy and LGBTQ+ venues in particular.
“Brighton has a proud LGBTQ+ history and identity, and we must do everything we can to protect the venues and spaces that are such an important part of that heritage and community.
“I’m meeting with Steve [Jones, R-Bar managing director] this week to discuss this further and to see what more can be done to revitalise and support local hospitality.
“I will then raise this both in Parliament and with Ministers going forward.”
