DT’s transfer halted

UPDATED 2pm

The handover of popular Richmond watering hole DT’s Hotel to Peel Hotel owner Tom McFeely appears over.

McFeely revealed last week that the pub’s current owner has decided not to go ahead with the sale of the business.

“I have been informed that the individual who recently purchased the hotel only a few months ago, and who initiated contact with me within a matter of weeks to ascertain if I was interested in buying it given their complete lack of knowledge and understanding of our community, now wishes to renege on the agreement that we entered into,” McFeely said in a statement.

McFeely said he was disappointed to hear the news.

“My motivation for entering into the deal in the first place was to try and guarantee the long-term future of DT’s as I was concerned that it would cease to be a GLBITQ community venue,” he said.

“Although its day-to-day operation was not at all attractive from a financial perspective, I was confident, given my ownership of The Peel, that I could bring with me a degree of expertise and stability.

“I have always believed that there is an inherent community responsibility when one owns and operates a gay venue, as there is more to it than simply trying to generate profits in the same manner as mainstream straight venues do.”

It’s unclear if DT’s will remain a gay pub. The Star Observer has contacted the new owner for comment.

DT’s has been a gay venue for 16 years and is well known for its drag and community fundraising events.