'It's a crisis': R-Bar manager explains demise of Brighton's queer scene
The venue was one of two venues to announce their closure in recent weeks - blaming rising costs and declining LGBT+ tourism
A month on from the announcement that the LGBTQ+ venue R-Bar in Brighton will be closing permanently, we're today hearing from the person who runs it.
In their post on social media, the venue, which is the sister venue to Club Revenge, cited unsustainable rising costs as the main reason behind the decision, made just days after the Charles Street Tap revealed its plans to also stop trading, when its lease comes to an end.
In a heartfelt social media post, R-Bar shared its devastation at the impending closure.
"We are absolutely devastated to be losing another LGBTQ+ venue in Brighton at a time when safe queer spaces are more important than ever," the post reads.
The venue highlighted the multitude of financial pressures it faces, including increased business rates, rent, and energy costs, alongside a general rise in stock prices.
'I'd almost forgotten how much it meant to people'
Managing Director of R-Bar and Revenge nightclub, Steve Jones, explained how 'our costs have gone crazy', which led to a perfect storm of unsustainability.
He told Hits Radio Pride: "I just couldn't imagine the prospect of an LGBT scene in Brighton without R-Bar, but sadly, we've reached that point.
"This year, and this summer, hasn't been what we needed it to be, so the money's simply run out."
The self-described 'steward' of the venue has been steering the ship over the past few years, and has been calling it a privilege to have been there for the local queer community.
He reflected: "It's been very special.
"I think, sometimes when you run a venue, particularly in recent years, it's a very stressful experience, because you're always looking at the next bill that's coming out.
"So, you can sometimes lose sight of how important a venue like ours is to people, and the outpouring of love since the announcement has been a comfort, but also heart-wrenching.
"I'd almost forgotten how much it meant to people, and there's so many comments of people meeting their partner there, finding their identity, too.
"And that's because we provided a space for people to be their authentic selves, and be safe.
"Sometimes, when you're knee-deep in bills, it's hard to remember that."
'It's a crisis'
In comparison to Manchester's queer scene, Steve has spoken about trade being bleak, especially over the winter months.
And it comes as local MP, Chris Ward, issued a stark warning that even more LGBT+ venues could close, as urgent talks are held about the future of the area's night-time economy.
Steve said: "There's this perception that Brighton, from an historical perspective, is this buzzing city - and if you come down here on a Saturday afternoon during a heatwave, then the beach is rammed, the seafront, you can't move - it's brilliant.
"But the reality is there's been Friday nights in the summer, and I'm shocked by how quiet the streets are.
"All the other venue owners are obviously all thinking the same, too.
"And in the winter, December and January are really, really tough months to get to.
"The city need to do more to attract visitors outside of just Pride weekend, because venues like ours simply can't survive off just that.
"R-Bar is not an isolated case, and we are all going through the same thing.
"It's a crisis, and if things keep going this way, there simply won't be any scene in the next couple of years.
"The time of talk and empty words about how much LGBT venues mean to the city is over - there has to be proper action, both on a local and a Government level.
"Business rates are a crippling tax which are disproportionately unfair to the hospitality industry, and we've got to also look at VAT.
"We're in a situation where we cannot buy alcohol in, wholesale, for cheaper than the supermarkets are selling it, too, so fewer people are coming out to drink.
"It's a far healthier, more socially-positive experience to go to your local licenced venue instead, so we are also calling for the balance to be shifted.
"Locally, Brighton I think has sleepwalked into this situation.
"It feels the council has been living off the city's previous title as the LGBT capital of the UK, when it's clearly fundamentally not true any more, and that's because other cities have made a dedicated effort to grow their areas.
"We're calling for the Gay Village to be properly recognised, in the same way Canal Street is up in Manchester, for instance, so people feel like it's a welcoming environment for the LGBT community.
"Brighton does not shout about its LGBT scene - it just assumes other people are going to find it."
'The announced closure of two LGBTQI+ venues in our city is heart-breaking'
A Government spokesperson said: “We recognise many pubs and bars across the country are facing challenges, which is why the Prime Minister acted in his first week by announcing 20% off their business rates next year.
“We know this will be a concerning time for R-Bar’s workers and we stand ready to support.”
R-Bar also hopes that its closure will raise awareness and lead to action from Brighton and Hove City Council to ensure the protection and investment in the city's nightlife, particularly LGBTQ+ venues. The venue plans to write an open letter to express its views and suggestions.
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The announced closure of two LGBTQI+ venues in our city is heart-breaking and is a stark reminder that we need to protect our LGBTQI+ venues.
“As a council we’re committed to promoting and growing our night-time economy and supporting our LGBTQI+ venues, which are part of Brighton’s core identity.
“I can’t agree that the city’s best days are behind us though. We welcome more than 12 million visitors a year, supporting 25,000 jobs and driving an economic value of £1.4 billion.
“Our LGBTQI+ community plays a key role in this, which is why we continue to promote venues through our VisitBrighton platform and via marketing channels aimed at key audiences outside the city.
“We do realise clubs and bars need support and that this remains a challenging time for the sector.
“Last year we launched a radical new licensing policy to provide the flexibility operators need to adapt to changes in the economic climate and later this year will be launching a new nighttime economy strategy.
“I have also written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury to press for mixed grassroots music venues to benefit from the Government’s business rates cut.
“I will continue lobbying for this much-needed change to help safeguard other venues in the city and will work with our cultural venues to explore all avenues for their future protection.”
As Brighton prepares for the loss of another cherished venue, the public is encouraged to continue supporting other local LGBTQ+ establishments to ensure their survival and the continued vibrancy of the city's nightlife.