Readers share thoughts on how to keep Mars Bar, Adelaide's only gay nightclub, alive
AXING drag shows, friendlier bouncers, better music and fewer straight women would help keep Mars Bar alive, readers say.
CUTTING back drag shows, friendlier security staff, up to date music and fewer straight women have been suggested to improve the popularity of Adelaide's only gay nightclub, Mars Bar.
Readers have offered a mix of blunt feedback and messages of encouragement to owner Andrew Hobbs, who has pleaded for support to ensure the Gouger St club's survival after a 20 per cent drop in patronage over the past two years.
Moving On of Adelaide was one of many who complained about rude and "hostile" bouncers and dated drag shows.
"The club has to come to a complete stand still when the same old drag show gets peddled out again and again and again with tired choreography (pivot change, pivot change, walk around the pole - repeat) with nothing but a change in costume to change it's theme."
Not Happy Jan of Adelaide was also "sick of drag queens", posting: "As gay people we are free to go anywhere and do anything, you have had the monopoly for years (but) now we have grown up and want more than drag queens, dark dingy nightclubs, rude staff and hostile security."
Sarah said the music was "the same awful remixes played over and over again" and "half the toilets do not have locks and are as filthy as can be".
Men having sex in the toilets and bar staff serving "good lookers" first were other complaints.
Mr Hobbs told the City Messenger he hired more security staff than most venues to keep patrons safe, was gradually renovating and always kept the toilets clean.
David of Australia said the beer garden should become a jazz venue to appeal to older patrons, while Pete Weston of Canberra suggested trivia nights and "monthly talks or debates in the beer garden".
Chris of Adelaide said Mars Bar should be revamped to create "a pub atmosphere" on weekdays and have quiet lounge areas on club nights where people could excape the "blaring" music.
Among the club's supporters was Kat Kostalas, who said Mars Bars was "fabulous for the gay community, but is also a great night for a group of single women who just want a night of fun without the hassle of sleazy men/boys".
But Tony For Progress said the hordes of straight women were the problem.
"How about making it a truly gay club, all you see is hen's nights and women's groups partying. You have alienated them 40-something men who have no place to go to be themselves."
Celt of Adelaide said Adelaide was lucky to have Mars Bar.
"I for one refuse to go to other clubs as (what Mr) Hobbs says is right: We can't kiss or show affection in public at other places like we can at Mars Bar. I say support Mars and don't let it close down."
Steve of Bridgewater said anyone who suggested Mars Bar was no longer necessary in a more gay-friendly society was "selfish".
"Many young gay folk use Mars as a way to gain confidence in their sexuality and to find acceptance," he said.
"Praise to those of you who have found happiness - enjoy your coffees and cafes, but don't mock the bar or play down it's significance to those still trying to find their way in this crazy world.
"The best compromise here would be listening to patrons - keep what works, ditch what doesn't and perhaps the place just needs a spruce-up.''
Steve of QLD said the drag shows were "fantastic" and the performers were "very talanted and are inspirational for many young performers".
"Mars will continue to survive, it has seen many other venues open and close over it's 30-year history, but loyalty to a great venue is what keeps Mars alive!"
Mr Hobbs said patronage had dropped as customers drifted away to other venues in a more gay-friendly society, or saved their money for music festivals and trips to the more varied gay scenes of Sydney and Melbourne.
He said he had been forced to cut down opening the Gouger St club from four nights a week to two this year.
"If you don't come in because we charge a door charge I'm sorry, but a lot of venues have closed in Adelaide and people always say Mars is an institution and it will always be here - well who knows, if you don't support it, you may not have it much longer," Mr Hobbs posted on Facebook .
"Mars Bar started in 1976 (and) I've been around for 26 years in this business for you.
"Instead of bagging the venue, work with us to help make it the venue you want it to be."
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