Wimbledon’s first LGBT+ bar could be forced to close early every night

CMYK Bar opened its doors in The Broadway back in 2019.

Now, the police are calling on Merton Council to strip the bar of its late licence.

It comes after a customer had a bottle smashed over his head on the dance floor on April 17 this year.

Police were called after the victim flagged down an ambulance with cuts above his eyebrow.

He said an altercation on the dance floor led to the attack but neither police nor the ambulance service had been called to the bar by staff.

The man later claimed in a police statement that after he was attacked he was held back by door staff and the suspect was allowed toslip away.

Just two days earlier the police were called to the bar twice, according to a report from PC Avril O’Brien, licensing officer for police.

Once when a member of security was punched in the face and two hours later when a man was beaten up by a group of men outside the bar and knocked unconscious twice.

The report lists a total of nine incidents police were called to between February 5 and April 15, including four alleged sexual assaults of women. And PC O’Brien added this was “not an exhaustive list” of incidents at the bar.

Merton Council’s licensing committee met on Monday (June 27) to discuss the future of the bar but most of the meeting was held in private at the request of police due to the discussion on “ongoing criminal matters”, including two live court cases.

In the part of the meeting held in public, Flora Curtis, representing the police, said two further pieces of information were submitted to the committee.

One of which related to an incident that happened at the bar this weekend.

Police want the bar to stop serving drinks at midnight and close at 12.30am every night.

It is currently allowed to open until 3am Monday-Saturday and 2.30am on Sundays.

A letter from the manager George Maynard, who recently took over with Sid Anstey, said shorter opening hours would have a negative impact on the LGBTQ+ scene in South London.

George said a new security team has been employed who are refusing more people at the door meaning fewer people have to be thrown out.

They wrote: “I have noticed a far better attitude from our new team, they care about the bar and who they’re letting into our space.

"We have had a far better response from customers, saying they feel safe with these security members, and the security show a much higher level of customer service, taking time to engage with our customers and build the trust between them.

“Higher levels of refusals are resulting in lower levels of ejections and a far nicer and safer atmosphere in the bar.

“We have set new rules for entry, made it clear to customers on arrival that we are a Gay venue, and have a zero-tolerance policy on any kind of disrespectful or homophobic behaviour towards customers and staff.”

The review will be considered by Merton Council’s licensing committee and a decision is expected in the next five days.