3:30pm: Wellington's only LGBT nightclub has closed for good due to outstanding debts, according to a bar manager who was keen to take over the lease. Neil Howland, Imerst's former bar manager, had offered funds to help keep the venue open as a gay bar, but was not able to come to an agreement yesterday, according to his partner Ivan Rainforth. The building landlord's payment deadline was 5pm yesterday, and when money was not forthcoming, the locks on the front door were changed. Imerst's former manager Rhys Hakkens had no comment to make today, except to say he didn't know whether the bar would be open again after this week. On Monday he'd insisted it was 'business as usual' at the Dixon Street nightclub, despite a 'termination of lease' notice stuck to the door of the club late on Sunday, and rumours spreading among Wellington's LGBT community. This Saturday's Christmas Party at Imerst has been cancelled, and their Fevah party planned for New Year's Eve will not expected to take place either. Howland is currently negotiating with another venue about setting up a new gay bar, and is hoping to sign a deal before this weekend, Rainforth says.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 20th December 2007 - 3:28pm