Students call Leeds sex bar ‘disturbing’ for sharing name with domestic violence charity

Students have called out a new sex bar in Leeds for having the same name as a well-established domestic violence charity.

Behind Closed Doors is a sex-themed establishment which open this summer offering an elaborate experience based on sex and pleasure, with themed cocktails, pornographic decor and phone lines to encourage conversation between customers.

The bar chain which first opened in Manchester’s Northern Quarter has the same name as a domestic violence charity and is entirely sex-themed.

The uproar was sparked by the initial opening day announcement for the bar on social media.

Supporters of the Leeds domestic abuse charity, also called Behind Closed Doors, took to Instagram to voice their concerns on the business opening on Call Lane.

One confused user called out the bar’s name, saying it was a  “disturbing choice of naming”, while another added: “[It’s] very weird to have the name of it the same as a domestic abuse charity operating in Leeds for over 25 years…”

Lucy, a fourth year University of Leeds student, told The Leeds Tab : “I don’t have any issue with there being a sex themed bar in Leeds, we’re a fun, liberal city and it suits our vibe.

“But opening one up with the same name as a domestic abuse charity that’s been operating in Leeds for 25 years is really distasteful and I think there should be serious reconsideration about the name choice, even if the bar is considered a chain.”

An English student at University of Leeds who wished not to be named, said: “I think the bar should have done more research into the local area before opening up.

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“It’s just not right to have them both share a name.

She continued by saying: “It’s a complete oversight.”

A third student, Amber, called the naming of the bar “pretty disgusting”, adding: “The concept of this bar definitely sounds like a unique and exciting addition to Leeds, but sharing its name with such an important charity in the area is pretty disgusting!

“This needs to be changed in respect for members and volunteers who do not want to be associated with it.”

Having helped domestic abuse victims for over 25 years, the charity, Behind Closed Doors, aims to not only support those who need to or have fled domestic violence, but also prevent further situations from arising.

In an annual report from 2022, it claimed to have assisted over 720 people in Leeds, offering them multiple programmes and support to help them recover from their experiences.

98 per cent of their members felt that they had achieved their goals offered by the support plan provided for them by the charity and over 62 per cent stated that they felt not only more independent, but they felt better able to make decisions.

A representative for the bar told The Leeds Tab: “We appreciate you reaching out and for your concern. As you are aware, we are an established brand from Manchester, founded eight years ago. Due to the move to Leeds, we have been in close contact with the charity, namely Ruth.

“We generally go by the acronym BCD, which is why we have that, and only that, above the door. To avoid confusion, we have changed our website SEO and have also made changes to our Instagram information.

“We have made every measure we can to make sure we avoid any confusion out of an utmost respect for the charity and their ongoing work.

“Further more, we are looking to do some fundraising for the charity which is yet to be confirmed directly with them, which we will gladly update you on.”

Featured image via TikTok