A dark room in a gay bar is a room, typically located at the back of the club, where patrons can engage in relatively discreet sexual activity). Dark rooms usually have little or no lighting, possibly incorporating blacklights or dim, colored lighting to establish an atmosphere of twilight and secrecy). They were common features of North American gay bars and clubs in the 1960s and 1970s, and can still be found in some bars). Until the 1980s, the sex that took place in them was typically unprotected and anonymous, but the AIDS epidemic led to the closing of many backrooms in gay bars and other public sex venues). Nowadays, dark rooms are still popular among MSM (men who have sex with men) and are enjoying a long overdue boom in the UK. It is important to note that dark rooms are places of business where sexual activity takes place, and patrons should understand the etiquette of dark rooms and know essential tips to stay safe.