Our good friend Gerry Visco is reporting that one of New York City's sleezier gay bars, the Hose, has suddenly closed.

The problem seems to be with the lease and the landlord.  Visco reports in her New York Press column:

“The rumor is that the Hose was shut down because the owner refused to renew the lease,” says Benjamin Haber, a regular at the bar who plans to participate in a farewell celebration and vigil on the sidewalk in front of the bar Friday night. “We heard from the bartenders and door people on Tuesday night and they’d heard the same night from the manager, who wasn’t actually too involved in the running of the bar. I was told the actual owner decided to not leave the bar to him anymore.”

Visco and GaySocialites.com have both reached out the owner of the building, but no calls have been returned.

If you're out and about in the East Village tonight, swing by and say hello to those holding the candle light vigil.