Burlington – Robert Toms, proprietor of the gay-identified bar 135 Pearl has asked his communities for help to keep the bar open.
      "The Smoking ban has hurt – not just us but the whole town," said Toms, citing that along with a downswing in the economy.
     Toms said the bar and building have been on the market since last year, and that he wants to "pass the torch" to someone who will continue its ties to the community.
     He identifies the bar as "a safe place for everybody," rather than as a gay bar.
     Toms said small business loans are unavailable as lenders are leery of liqour liability.