Los Angeles, California – A popular bar in downtown Los Angeles, known for its support of the LGBTQ+ community, is facing potential closure due to a legal dispute with a former employee. Precinct DTLA, a fixture on Broadway, announced via Instagram that it might have to close its doors soon unless its financial situation improves.
In their post, the owners expressed their anxiety about the future, stating that they were “a couple of slow weekends away” from shutting down. The financial challenges have mounted for many small businesses like Precinct DTLA, which has navigated the pandemic, city-imposed curfews, ICE raids, and a general downturn in nightlife. The current legal battle, however, poses a more significant threat to their operations.
The lawsuit was filed by Jessica Gonzales, who claims she experienced discrimination and harassment while employed at the bar for eight years. In her complaint submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Gonzales contended that she was subjected to an unsafe working environment. According to her allegations, when she reported incidents of sexual conduct among employees and patrons at the bar, management dismissed her concerns.
Gonzales further alleged that she was forced to work the coat check during the bar’s themed events without compensation. She claimed that the management eliminated the coat-check fee, allegedly to encourage more patrons to undress, which contributed to an uncomfortable work atmosphere. The lawsuit includes troubling claims that Gonzales suffered physical harm during a confrontation with a coworker over a stress ball, resulting in two broken fingers.
After that incident, Gonzales claims she was effectively terminated, asserting that the decision was influenced by the desire of management to hire a gay male employee in her place. In response, the bar’s representatives have denied these accusations on social media, labeling them as entirely unfounded.
In their Instagram response, the bar accused Gonzales’s attorney of harboring an anti-LGBTQ agenda and noted that there were documented instances of inappropriate language used by the attorney in the past. The lawsuit’s counsel, John Barber, has faced scrutiny for past communications that included derogatory language aimed at marginalized communities.
Despite these allegations, Barber did not provide comments when approached for a response. The ramifications of the ongoing legal fight are evident, as Precinct DTLA stated that defending against this lawsuit has taken a toll on their emotional and financial well-being.
As they navigate this turmoil, Precinct DTLA urged community members to support them by visiting the bar, ordering food and drinks, and tipping their staff.
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