SunTrapp announces closure
UPDATE below.
The SunTrapp, one of Salt Lake City’s oldest and longest operating LGBTQ+ bars, closed its doors October 31, management announced Friday, citing the financial impact of ongoing worker protests tied to a stalled unionization process, halted in part due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The bar, originally the Trapp Door, opened Sept. 18, 1990, by Joe Redburn, who had owned the Sun Tavern for many years prior. In recent months, workers moved to unionize under CWA Local 7765, citing workplace safety, staffing, scheduling, and wage conditions. Management had stated it supported employees’ legal right to vote on union representation, but the federal government shutdown closed the National Labor Relations Board, preventing that vote from taking place.
“We were committed to engaging in that process,” the bar’s statement said. “Unfortunately, because of the government shutdown, the National Labor Relations Board was closed and the election process was stopped.”
In the interim, workers continued to picket on weekends. SunTrapp Workers United scheduled what would have been their fifth consecutive weekend action — a Halloween picket — promoting a costume contest, food, and a message to “end illegal practices” and allow the election to proceed.
Management said the weeks of picketing significantly reduced business volume, contributing to the decision to shutter operations.
“Sadly, the financial impact of consistent protests has made it impossible for us to remain open,” management wrote. “As such, we will be closing the SunTrapp on October 31st 2025.”
Salt Lake’s queer bar economy — while more stable than it was 20 years ago — remains small enough that a single bar’s closure has ripple effects, particularly given the SunTrapp’s identity as a longtime “safe space” venue for older LGBTQ patrons, trans patrons, and newcomers to the community scene.
The labor fight at SunTrapp captured statewide and national activist attention, as the bar became one of the first in Utah where workers attempted formal unionization. Organizers pointed to the bar’s cultural role and the need to protect workers who provide those community spaces. Union leaders argued that the workplace changes they sought were meant to stabilize careers in nightlife, reduce burnout and safety risks, and ensure queer bars could endure.
Management emphasized that the shutdown stalled their ability to finalize next steps legally through the NLRB. Without the government functioning, the formal election could not occur — leaving both sides in an unresolved holding pattern.
“We will do our best to provide an update on the future of the SunTrapp as soon as we have more information,” management wrote.
It is unclear whether the bar will reopen.
UPDATE: In an Instagram post on the evening of Oct. 1, CWA7665 stated:
“Statement from SunTrapp Workers Unite
“We are heartbroken that Mary Peterson has decided to close the doors of The SunTrapp. But make no mistake: this closure is the direct result of her decision to engage in a series of unfair labor practices rather than work with the very employees who make this historic space thrive.
“On September 26, we delivered a letter requesting voluntary recognition and a fair process. Her response was to institute a wave of new, punitive policies clearly designed to intimidate and entrap staff.
“Shortly afterward, she fired our head of security a key union supporter who had been present for the delivery of our letter – in blatant retaliation for protected union activity. This is a choice, not an inevitability.
“We did not strike on a whim or to demand instant recognition. We were forced into a ULP (Unfair Labor Practice) strike after management’s coercive actions made it impossible to work safely, lawfully, and with dignity. Through every step of this strike we have made attempts to negotiate with management.
“Mary Peterson has a clear path forward: rescind the illegal firing, roll back the coercive policies, and allow a fair election to proceed. Instead, she has decided to splurge on lawyers, additional security, and to eat the cost of her pride in lost business. Closing the bar and blaming the workers for problems she could solve at literally no cost is bewildering.
“We organized out of love for The SunTrapp and the community it represents. We expected Mary Peterson to respect us – the workers who make her bar run -or at least to behave as a rational actor in this. We want to preserve The Suntrapp’s legacy as a safe, inclusive space for everyone. And it still can be: Mary can still correct these illegal practices and have a functional, busy, and safe bar tomorrow. All she needs to do is reverse her unfair labor practices and allow us to proceed to a fair election. We will be happy to return to work in the meantime!
“Solidarity Forever”
