1 Republican leaving a sleazy, empty bar (9)

I believe the answer is:

speakeasy

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'bar' is the definition.
(I know that speakeasy is a type of bar)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for speakeasy that I've seen before include "Liquor joint during Prohibition" , "Illicit club during Prohibition" , "Prohibition watering hole" , "Illicit bar during Prohibition" , "Illicit drinking club (US)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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