Melbourne’s iconic Greyhound Hotel gay bar closes for good

UPDATE: Local and state governments are to blame for the shock closure of Melbourne’s biggest gay bar, a prominent gay community spokesman says.

St Kilda’s landmark Greyhound Hotel has closed for good in a shock move.

• Gay bar saved from wrecking ball … for now
• GH Hotel demolition on owner’s radar

UPDATE: A prominent gay community spokesman has blasted local and state governments for the unexplained shock closure of Melbourne’s biggest gay bar.

Peter de Groot said Port Phillip Council and the State Government had forced managers’ hands in closing St Kilda’s historic Greyhound Hotel, colloquially known as the GH.

“The City of Port Phillip constantly refused the GH (permission) to increase its capacity,” Mr de Groot said.

“The State Government of Victoria did not allow the GH to have extended trading hours. The GH’s two main competitors, the Peel and Poof Doof, both have late liquor licenses which means the GH is at a disadvantage,” he said.

But he also blamed “the actions of some personalities within the LGBTI community”.

“The GH catered for everyone. Like all department stores they are being squeezed by the boutique players,” he said.

The Greyhound Hotel is well-known for its weekly drag bingo nights.

“What I feel most for is the loss of community for those who already face exclusion.”

The 163-year-old venue announced its closure “for good” under mysterious circumstanceslast night, just weeks after it was granted a temporary reprieve from the wrecking ball.

It was slated for redevelopment into an eight-storey apartment building, which spurred a campaign by the St Kilda community who rallied to fight against the proposed demolition of the 163-year-old venue.

A change.org petition to save it also collected more than 2500 signatures in three weeks.

But its owners made the shock announcement on Facebook, writing: “ It is with a heavy heart that we share this news with you … As of today the GH Hotel will no longer be open for business. This is due to recent unforeseen circumstances.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to every single patron, performer, promoter and staff member for their support over the years.”

An artist's impression of a proposed eight-storey apartment complex on the site of St Kilda’s Greyhound Hotel.

The hotel’s owners did not elaborate further, but promised further updates for revellers on Friday.

Its sudden closure has prompted an outpouring of disappointment and sadness from patrons, who lamented its closing as a loss for Melbourne’s LGBTIQ community.

“Another LGBTIQ icon/venue has to close it (sic) doors, “ Daryl Ricketts wrote. “I mean, there’s barely any in Melbourne anymore as it is?! #sadnewsforthecommunity”

Jasmine Ri said the news was “devastating”, describing the heritage hotel as a safe space for queer youth.

“The GH has been such an amazing venue for the community,” she said.

“The support & safety you have provided for the LGBTQI community will not be forgotten! Especially being a safe place for minus 18 (rainbow) youth to have fun and be actively part of the community!”

Others have slammed the decision, speculating the closure was related to the controversial redevelopment plans.

“Unforeseen my a---! St Kilda will be so much more enriched by another enormous ugly apartment block. Well done gh, well done,” Claire Rimmer wrote.

The hotel’s website is still promoting its weekly shows and upcoming events, including its White Party on January 20.

Speaking to Leader last month, manager Karina Harcourt said business was struggling at the once-thriving venue, prompting the owners of the building to “see what their options are”.

At the time, she said closing the Greyhound was “absolutely not on the cards”.