New Zealand’s longest-running gay bar will have its final night of operation tonight, before closing the doors for good - after 17 years. It will be open from 9pm, until the stock runs out. All are welcome to head along and bid farewell. Some of the Urge regulars Owners Paul Heard and Alan Granville announced their decision to close in November, saying big increases in rent, insurance and even music rights made the small venue's future unviable. They say it was a tough decision to make. Since then the bear community and its friends and supporters have rallied around for a series of farewell events, with tonight the very last hurrah. The Urge and Urge Black dance parties will live on, as will Bear New Zealand Week. Palmerston North’s Club Q is also closing this weekend, with a final party on Saturday.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 27th February 2015 - 10:41am