Legends of 2012 to close

by Sean Previl

After more than four years of operation, The Legends of 2012 will close Feb. 16.

Previously known as the Happy Tap Tavern, Roger Samudio, 36, bought the building at 1056 Wyandotte St. E. in January 2010 and changed the name 2012.

Samudio said he started the club because he wanted to give the LGBT community and himself a place to create a family.

“It wasn’t all about making the money for the bar, it was more having my community beside me and doing things with them,” said Samudio.

David Lenz, president of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, said while Legends is moving out, he believes it’s not a concern for the LGBT community. Windsor has become more accepting which means members of the community have more places they can go and not hide their sexual orientation.

“You’ll find that not everybody needs to go to a gay bar to have a good time,” said Lenz.

Legends closure means Windsor will have only one LGBT-centred bar, Red Lounge, for members of the community to visit.