flip-book-test

The Kings Arms Tavern was
located inside the Palliser Hotel,
built in 1914. Formerly known
as the Carriage House, the
tavern was one of Calgary’s last
remaining men-only drinking
establishments. Nicknamed ‘The
Pit’, it became a favorite drinking
space among gay men through
the 60’s although the tavern was
not exclusively gay.
The tavern allowed women
following renovations in 1970.
Throughout the 70’s the pub
began to develop a more gay
reputation. Problems began
to arise after the pub changed
ownership in the late 70’s. Gay
patrons were denied service for
things like their clothes, kissing,
or even sitting too close. The
harassment lead to an exploding
point between management and
gay patrons in December of
133 9TH AVE SW
“Most of us had to
enter through the front
entrance and worked our
way to the bar as the First
Street bar entrance was
too obvious – there was a
danger of getting known
and losing your job.”
—Nick de Vos
1978. In total 20 patrons were
removed from the pub that night
by 6 officers in 4 paddy wagons.
On July 31, 1982, the Kings Arms
Tavern closed down. Today the
Palliser Hotel still stands and you
can even use the rear entrance
which now leads down into a
Starbucks.
THE KINGS ARMS
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