After fifteen years of amazing service, Menz & Mollyz bar located on Gottingen Street in Halifax has closed its doors permanently. The news came today with a statement made on Facebook from co-founder and owner David Landry.
Despite the current crunch imposed upon many businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of the popular Halifax venue has come as a shock to many. Not only did the bar provide a staple venue for Halifax’s live music and entertainment, Menz & Mollyz was well known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
The announcement came today via the bar’s Facebook page:
“After much consideration and 15 years providing service to our community I am saddened to let everyone know Menz and Mollyz bar is closed permanently. I would like to thank everyone involved over the years for their support of this community business. I wish everyone success, wellness and peace in their future endeavours,” signed David.
When Landry opened then bar in 2005, he envisioned the bar as a safe and comfortable place for blue-collar gay men. Naturally enough, at the time it was simple named, “Menz” without the “Mollyz,” The “Mollyz” was added later to commemorate the cafe that was once located downstairs from the original Gottigen location, both of which were destroyed in building fire in 2008. Six months later the venue was re-opened just down the road under its current moniker, Menz & Mollyz.
While circumstances are difficult for all small businesses, Landry has not officially stated his reasons for closing the venue.
The loss of the venue is expected to hit hard for the local and touring music community as one of Halifax’s go-to venues for all types of genres. Even more impactful will be well the loss that’s felt throughout Halifax’s LGBTQ+ community for which Menz & Mollyz provided a home-away-from-home, a regular venue for drag and pride week events, and a safe place for everyone.