Vancouver's infamous Gallery Show Lounge loses liquor licence for good
The Gallery Show Lounge Strip club in south Vancouver has permanently lost its liquor licence after years of controversy. A court upheld the revocation, citing repeated public safety risks and serious criminal allegations. Owner Anthony Pomonis now plans to launch a new venue in Calgary, calling Vancouver the 'no fun city'.
The club’s licence was cancelled following a long history of incidents. Over two years, police responded to 94 calls, including a homicide, a stabbing, and a shooting. Authorities also linked the venue to drug trafficking, money laundering, and false financial records.
Pomonis faced drug trafficking charges alongside an employee, but these were later stayed. Despite this, he claims police unfairly targeted him and his business. He accused authorities of trying to 'get rid of Gallery and erase me from the hospitality industry'. After failing to overturn the licence revocation in court, Pomonis announced plans to open a similar club in Alberta. He aims to recreate the success of Gallery in a new location, leaving behind Vancouver’s stricter regulations.
The closure marks the end of Gallery’s operations in Vancouver. Pomonis will now focus on his next project in Calgary. The decision leaves the city with one fewer nightlife venue amid ongoing debates over safety and regulation.
