The owner of a gay bar that closed its doors after four months says he will not be trying it again any time soon.
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Barcode was dubbed a ''lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex friendly bar'' but was shut down eight weeks ago in what has been a disappointing back half of the year for the gay community after the High Court struck down the ACT's same-sex marriage legislation. There are now ''for lease'' signs in the windows of the Barcode location in Dickson.
Barcode owner Ian Goudie said the business was in the wrong location at the wrong time.
''There's been a lot of instability with federal government jobs,'' he said, adding the bar was a fabulous idea and a great concept.
Mr Goudie, founder of the separate community group Diversity ACT, which aims to advance inclusiveness in the territory, said the gay community was very supportive of the bar.
It made local headlines when it opened in June, complete with unisex toilets.
It joined nightclub Cube and Tilley's Devine Cafe Gallery in Lyneham as popular places for gays and lesbians, according to Mr Goudie.
He said he would not try to open another establishment in the foreseeable future simply because of the economic conditions.
According to reports, when the bar opened it was staffed by members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.
The club also planned to donate 50¢ from every coffee sold to gender diverse organisations such as A Gender Agenda and Diversity ACT.
