Posted on Tue, Mar 6, 2012 at 3:58 PM

Rumors can get ugly, but it turns out this one's true. The Spotlight Lounge is for sale. But don’t worry your pretty fishnet stalking or dancing shoes – owner Tim Bainter says the GLTB-friendly nightclub will not be closing.

“Right now anyone can take over the space,” Bainter says. “They can do whatever they want with it as long as they take over the lease.”

Bainter says the downtown nightclub was unofficially put on the market in August after he fired the then-operating manager. The club was closed for one week in August and then reopened under Bainter’s management.

He says a string of unsuccessful managers have plagued the nightclub, and Bainter and his associates, Emperor Club Corp., are in the process of purchasing the entire building – but they don't want to operate the bar.

Bainter says he has been approached by several potential buyers but nothing has been set in stone yet.

“I know the clientele is a little nervous about new owners, but the Spotlight is doing all right,” Bainter says. “The Emperor never made any money. The Spotlight at least makes a little money.”

Bainter and Emperor Club Corp. are asking for a $15,000 down payment with a contract to take over the $4,500 monthly lease for the 9,000 square foot space. Potential buyers must sign a two- to five-year lease.

