According to a press release shared on its official website, Budapest’s VIII District Council has ordered the closure of the Corvin Club, Auróra Kioszk and Auróra Kert, cult venues all. Located on the top floor of a battered department store on Blaha Lujza tér, Corvin Club has been a popular party venue for many years, also housing the Budapest Rooftop Cinema on certain days. Auróra is one of the most dynamic cultural community centres in the city, operating not only as an affordable bar but also as an unconventional facility for NGOs, staging talks, live music shows, workshops and courses. Now that the operation of these places is in danger, is the party over?

With Auróra, reoccurring complaints from residents started the investigation. In June 2017, police raided the place and arrested a handful of guests. The local council then revoked Auróra’s business licence, preventing it from selling food or drink, thus undermining its main source of income. Shortly after the closure, Auróra launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the shortfall in income and prepared to recover its business licence in the courts.

By the end of August, the council’s decision was declared unlawful and annulled. Thanks to supporters’ donations, the bar was able to return to its original operation in October. The incident caused quite a stir in the public sphere. This week’s press release states that the authorities are calling upon the management to present a valid contract for the legal use of their premises, and ordered the business to cease until this is done. In case no contract is presented, Auróra will close down completely – even if a new contract is made, opening hours will be limited to 6am-10pm.

The press release also reveals that on June 21st, the police raided Corvin Club and found several guests in possession of illegal substances. Referring to public safety, the authorities shut down the party place – and the rooftop – for at least the duration of the investigation, but for the maximum of one year.

Reacting to the news, Auróra shared the following on its Facebook page: “Auróra did not receive a formal notice from the government. We do not wish to comment on news in the press and a post on the municipality website as these have no legal effect. The District VIII press office does not comment on the case any further, while the relevant governmental department is currently unavailable. Auróra is open and awaits everyone tomorrow from 4pm, according to regular opening hours.”