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They've had complaints from old neighbors, city officials and business owners."īy contrast, the board unanimously endorsed an expansion plan by Blake's, another well-known gay bar a few blocks away on 10th Street.Ĭollins, who's lived on nearby Myrtle Street for seven years, says the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance opposed the Varas' proposal because he claims the Varas had no real interest in operating a legitimate restaurant. "It's not just new neighbors coming in who don't like them. "They've got open drug dealing and prostitution in their parking lot," Starnes says.
Backstreet gay bar atlanta license#
At the hearing, the board refused to waive the club's previous license violations, which included a 2002 bust for illegally selling nitrous oxide canisters or "whippits" to club patrons. On July 6, the Varas' application to transform Backstreet into a restaurant was rejected by the board after Councilwoman Debi Starnes showed up to oppose the club's request. The licensing board, however, never heard the proposal. and continued to operate until dawn as a disco. In observance of the city's new liquor hours, the restaurant-club would've locked the liquor cabinet at 3 a.m. This spring, the Varas submitted a proposal to allow Backstreet to resume serving drinks as a full-service restaurant. After the clubs lost their appeal, Backstreet continued to operate as a dry, all-night disco while Vara looked for a way to regain a pouring license. So we'll oppose any move that will return Backstreet to their previous status as a 24-hour nightclub."īackstreet's problems started last fall, when the club - along with the Riviera in Midtown and Club 112 off Cheshire Bridge Road - lost a long court battle to retain their status as private clubs that were exempt from the city's bar closing hours. "Before that, we used to have litter everywhere and hookers in our driveways. "Our quality of life has improved dramatically since Backstreet lost its liquor license," Collins says.
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Then, earlier this month, the club faced yet another obstacle - one that forced it to shut its doors, perhaps permanently: failure to obtain a "dancehall" license.Įlston Collins, one of Backstreet's neighbors and a board member of the year-old Midtown Ponce Security Alliance, which patrols in Midtown's residential neighborhoods, says he intends to do what he can to ensure Backstreet remains closed.
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1 in favor of staying open all night and appealing a November court ruling that barred them from serving booze at all hours. We've tried to work with them and get along with our neighbors."īackstreet quit pouring alcohol Jan.
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"They say Backstreet is the epicenter for all street crime within a five-block radius. "Ever since we lost our status as a 24-hour club, the neighbors have been after us," says Vara, who co-owns the now shuttered club with her brother, Henry. After nearly 30 years of running the city's storied, 'round-the-clock gay disco, Backstreet owner Vicki Vara is uncertain what the future holds for her Peachtree Street landmark.