More reflections on Boyztown's future

[Oliver2]

When I first arrived in Boyztown twenty-two years ago, it was predominantly British-owned, from Amor to Cafe Royal. Now, with the Prisma premises becoming part of an expanding Ambiance and Cafe Royal bought by BBB, it is predominantly Chinese. As many have pointed-out, the Asian market will soon be the major target for BT businesses and that market will not be gay in the sense that we consider the term.

One of the advantages of the British-connection was that the owners worked together for the success of the soi as a whole, recognising that a vibrant soi, bright, cheerful and busy, brought in custom that may spend money in different venues during the course of one evening. Furthermore, co-operation ensured that the lighting and signage was maintained and that, when Sunee was reeling from allegations of illegal activities, BT remained, relatively speaking, "clean."

There is no such mutual support now; the owners no longer meet and I've had the impression-an outsider's impression, admittedly- that it's every business for itself. I recall the effect of Copa's all-night street parties on other businesses, despite protestations from owners. And now , BBB points its outdoor loudspeakers at Cupidol and Pamorama, , not to entertain guests but to provide enjoyment for its own workers. Meanwhile, there is the concern expressed by some as to what the effect of LCR's business model will be on the soi as a whole.

Whoever owns the businesses, surely co-operation in maintaining BT as a whole is not impossible? BT was established by a group of people working together. In these difficult times, it needs to recapture that soi -identity....and, at the very least,the owners and managers need to talk with each other in the common interest.

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