Very sad to see this announcement although it was not a surprise and I have been in touch with the owner over the last few, difficult, months.

But now, G-A-Y Bar is on sale as #Soho 'loses vibrancy' says its owner.

Soho has long been a destination for #LGBTQ+ and those finding themselves.

G-A-Y is the last big gay venue on Old Compton Street with two pubs and one or two smaller venues remaining. Maybe it's OK that that identity is disappearing. But I think we should be conscious of what is happening and not let it slide away without stopping to ask if it's still needed.

The pressures of huge tax rises in the last  #budget are pushing many hospitality businesses to the wall as they particularly targeted low pay and casual workers, who are key to the service in venues. Independents are the first to go and chains step in, with their greater economies of scale. 

But is this loss of identity and differentiation desirable? 

I have seen no plan or strategy from the local council that explains their position or what they would see as a positive way forward. A plan - indeed a public conversation that is not just people shouting at each other - is urgently needed.

Would love to hear from local residents and visitors to Soho. 

@sohosocietyw1 @TheSohoBA @UKHospKate @UKHofficial @wearethentia @LGBTCons @westminstertory