Sundowners bar in Margate has temporarily closed while arrangements are made to put new management in place.
The decision has been made by club boss Duncan Bayles following his appearance in court on charges of sexual offences against children.
Mr Bayles denies charges of 11 indecent assault on a male person charges; five indecency with a child charges and one charge of attempted rape dating between 1987 and 1996.
Mr Bayles, aged 63, of High Street, Margate, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on October 16. He has been released on conditional bail until a hearing on May 31 with trial scheduled for October 2024.
In a statement on the Sundowners’ social media page it says: “I categorially deny all the charges made against me dating back some 30 years and intend to vigorously defend myself in court in due course.
“However, in the meantime I believe it is important to do my upmost to protect Sundowners and all those connected to it, as such I have concluded it is best, I resign from Sundowners with immediate effect.
“Sundowners has always been a safe space, where our customers, friends and artists can come together and be their authentic selves.
“I’d like to thank you all personally for the help and support you have given me over the past eight years, it has been a pleasure running Sundowners.
“I hope that you continue to show the support to the new management that you have to me and allow Sundowners to continue to grow and support the local and wider LGBTQA+ community.
“Sundowners will be closed temporally while new management is put in place.”
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