After over twenty years' business, Wellington's Club Wakefield Sauna and Out! Bookshop will close their doors this month. Business owner Tony Katavich says a recent large rise in rent is the main reason for his decision to close the sex-on-site venue and small bookshop next door on Tory Street. "It was a rip-roarer, going very well for a long time, but it's just difficult for a small business to survive these days," he tells GayNZ.com. Rumours about the venue's closure have been circulating in the capital for several days, but Katavich could only confirm details today, after he had made certain every staff member had been notified. Katavich says it's entirely possible someone will take over the business and keep it running as a sauna, but if not, he is considering opening another small 'boutique' venue in another central Wellington location in the future. The last day of business for both the sauna and bookshop will be Sunday 27 April. Wellington is also home to Checkmate sauna on Garret Street.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 9th April 2008 - 11:54am