Precinct DTLA, one of downtown Los Angeles’s most prominent queer bars, announced on Friday that it is facing a serious financial crisis brought on by what it describes as a draining legal battle with a former employee. In a statement shared via Instagram, the bar warned supporters that “a couple of slow weekends” could force it to shut down.
In its public post, Precinct cited a history of challenges that have impacted its operations in recent years, including the COVID-19 shutdowns, ICE raids, and citywide curfews. However, it characterized the current situation as “even more devastating.”
According to the statement, the lawsuit names the business, its owner, and members of the management team, and alleges that Precinct discriminated against the former employee based on her status as a heterosexual cisgender woman. The suit also reportedly claims the venue discriminates against white employees. Precinct has strongly denied these allegations, calling them “completely false.”
An additional message posted Instagram stories came from a former manager’s personal account, identified as Adrian, who stated he had personal familiarity with the plaintiff. “This person was adored and protected by everyone on staff including management. She was family. She was not targeted for being straight. It’s such a shame how people can turn against those who showed them so much love when there is an opportunity to get ahead,” the post read.
The bar also raised concerns about the attorney representing the plaintiff, stating that individuals who previously worked with him have alleged he used anti-LGBTQ slurs in emails while at a prior firm. The post characterized the attorney as having “a clear anti-LGBTQ agenda.”
While declining to disclose specifics of the lawsuit, Precinct emphasized the toll the case has taken. “The legal battle is draining us emotionally and financially,” the statement read. “And we can’t do it alone.”
In a statement provided to KTLA, Precinct general manager, Jeremy Lucido, noted that financial strain began well before the lawsuit. “What I can say is that the financial hardship started well before this case,” Lucido said. “Nightlife has taken a hit across the board, and queer spaces, in particular, feel increasingly at risk.”
He pointed to the curfew enforced during local ICE-related protests as an especially destabilizing moment. “The week the city enforced a curfew due to ICE protests in the area where Precinct is located impacted us severely and revealed just how vulnerable we really are. Unfortunately, no restitution or relief was offered to the small businesses affected by that disruption.”
“All we’re asking is for our community to show up,” Lucido added. “These spaces exist because we rally around them. So come in, have a drink, enjoy the chicken tenders — and help make sure Precinct, and other queer safe spaces like it, can continue to exist through these trying times.”
Initially, the venue stopped short of asking for direct financial donations, instead urging community members to support the bar through attendance by visiting, buying drinks and food, and tipping staff. Precinct also hosts a range of community events including themed parties, drag brunches, and other queer nightlife programming. Supporters can additionally contribute by purchasing bar merchandise.
“We’re not asking for charity. We’re asking for solidarity,” the post stated.
An update to the original message later confirmed that a GoFundMe campaign had since been launched in response to repeated community requests.
Founded as a space to celebrate and support Los Angeles’s LGBTQ+ community, Precinct DTLA has long played a central role in the city’s queer nightlife scene. In its statement, the bar reinforced that identity, describing itself not just as a venue but as “a queer community hub.”
“Your presence matters. Your support matters,” the statement concluded. “Let’s rally together and protect this space — for all of us.”
