Popular Short North bar changes age policy after false accusations of ‘bartenders drugging guests’
LGBT+ folks under the age of 21 are no longer able to frequent a well-known Columbus gay bar.
Axis Nightclub in the Short North revealed an age policy update on social media last week, saying Axis Nightclub will now be 21+ during all regular operating hours.
The General Manager of Axis, Drayven Scott, provided 614Now three reasons for the decision: years of false accusations of ‘drugging’, the constant policing of underage drinking and the decline of guests under the age of 21.
Scott said the under-21 crowd typically made up only about 8.5 percent of total guests – around 20 to 25 people each weekend.
“We also had a lot of issues policing underage drinking,” Scott said. “We’re very strict on it internally – it’s a zero tolerance policy with us.”
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He also noted a shift in nightlife culture: the number of 18 to 20-year-olds going out has declined over the years, something he attributes in part to a generational shift in drinking habits and lifestyle post-COVID.
The nightclub echoed that sentiment in its social media announcement.
“For years, we’ve been honored to provide a space for LGBTQ+ guests of all ages,” Axis wrote online. “But as our community evolves, we must also adapt in ways that best protect and support our staff and patrons.”
Some social media commenters applauded the decision, arguing Axis is prioritizing safety. But others criticized the move, saying young LGBT+ people need a place to gather and have fun.
Scott said he understands.
“It was definitely a factor when our team was talking,” he said. “My first time in a club environment was at Axis at 18. A lot of us were kind of like that. We’ve always taken pride in fostering the younger generation. And it’s still something we want to do – we’re not totally against [it]. We’re already brainstorming ideas of sober events – for not just 18-year-olds but people that don’t want to drink at all. We’re experimenting with that. It’s not like a forever goodbye.”
Scott said in 2016, a former employee shared information that one of the owners of Union and Axis – two prominent Columbus gay bars – had made donations to Republican politicians. He said although those donations were not repeated in later years, the leak created tension and distrust within parts of the LGBT+ community.
Scott emphasized that this recent age policy change was not related to ownership or political motives. He said the decision came entirely from the LGBT+ leadership team. In fact, he said he requested and received full autonomy from ownership to respond directly to comments on Axis’ social media, saying this was a local, staff-driven decision.
“There’s always been those kind of nasty false rumors [about guests] getting drugged [by] the bartenders. And that was just always not true,” he said. “Whenever they would see stuff like that come out, it bothered them. So I wanted to protect them in that aspect.”
Scott said many of these rumors were centered around younger patrons, who were often involved in the types of incidents – such as needing to be removed from the club or requiring an ambulance – that raised eyebrows but weren’t caused by anything served in the club.
The first weekend following the change, he said, went smoothly. A few guests were turned away at the door and one person requested a refund for a pre-purchased ticket (which he said was provided). Overall, Scott said the crowd was positive.
“I actually saw a lot of people I haven’t seen inside Axis in a long time come out for the first time this weekend,” Scott said.
Axis plans to continue creating opportunities for younger members of the LGBT+ community. For Pride 2026, Scott confirmed that Axis will secure the permits needed to allow guests 18 and older into all events.
“Pride will be open to everyone,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Axis has been 21 and up. The nightclub opened in 1998, and Scott said that for several years in the early 2000s, it operated under a similar policy before eventually expanding to include 18+ guests.
On social media, Axis told the younger crowd: “It’s not a goodbye; just a ‘see ya in a couple years.’”
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