Narva terminates Ro-Ro club lease after repeated rent arrears

Narva’s Ro-Ro music and arts club must leave its premises in a port building by November 16 after the city terminated its lease over repeated rent arrears and concerns about building safety, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported.

The club, which has operated for 25 years, has become a gathering place for musicians and artists and a concert venue for the Station Narva festival. Its operations have been suspended since Tuesday.

Narva Mayor Jaan Toots said the lease was ending after the club fell behind on rent for the fifth time. Although the club has since paid its arrears, he also cited alleged building-related violations and said safety was the priority.

The Rescue Board said it had no current orders against Ro-Ro. It said the issue was that the port building’s permitted use does not allow it to operate as a bar or club, adding that this was a matter for the city to address.

Club owner Roman Boiko said the eviction was not really about money or requirements, but about the city wanting a different tenant. Local musicians and artists have also opposed the club’s closure, saying they need a place for cultural expression.

The city plans to put the port bar premises up for auction in the coming days. Officials say Ro-Ro could continue operating if it wins the auction and meets fire safety requirements. The club’s supporters are considering holding a protest.