Two popular Vancouver LGBT bars closing after New Year's Eve

Dec 5 2018, 4:30 am

Two longstanding businesses in the Davie Street area have announced that they will soon be permanently closing their doors.

LGBT venues XY and 1181 will see their final day of operations on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Jenn Mickey, who owns both establishments, made the announcement online. High commercial lease rates on Davie Street, as well as challenges obtaining hospitality insurance, were cited as some of the factors in her decision to close down.

“This is the most difficult message I’ve ever had to share,” writes Mickey. “We have spent eight years building a community of customers, performers, and staff. We are a family, and I am devastated.”

“The financial reality is that there is no other path forward,” she continues. “After some tough conversations and much soul searching, I came to the difficult conclusion that this is the only option.”

On a more hopeful note, Mickey ended by promising patrons a “run of goodbye parties like [they’ve] never seen.” She also thanked the community for years of support and affection.

“We worked hard to make 1181 and XY spaces where LGBTQ2+ people feel welcome, celebrated, and loved – and for that, you will forever have my gratitude.”

Dates and information for December events will be made available through social media in the coming days.

You can read Mickey’s full message here.

See also

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