Is it really offensive for a gay bar to say that it’s only for ‘gay clientele and their friends?’
A small number of residents have complained about a sign in one of the oldest gay bars in Brighton.
The Argus reports the Bulldog Tavern in Kemptown on St James’s Street has a sign stating: “This is a gay venue for gay clientele and their friends only.”
Resident Gavin Kinsey complained to the paper that the sign amounts to “discrimination” – something which the Bulldog completely rejects.
Mr Kinsey said: “I do not see how this is allowed. No other business would be allowed to discriminate against gay people, so what gives them the right to display the sign?”
Patricia Weller, from Preston Park, said: “I think it’s unnecessary. Everyone knows it’s a gay bar and that sign seems discriminatory.”
However, Paul Dunn, from Brighton, suggested it was a storm in a teacup.
He said: “It doesn’t offend me in the slightest. It’s all part of the Brighton community, with different types of people and diversity.
“I think people that are complaining just got out of bed on the wrong side.”
A barman at the Bulldog told The Argus that everyone was welcome at the venue and the sign did not say that straight people were not allowed inside.
He said: “It’s just establishing that this is a gay venue. That’s all it is.
“It’s just so people know what we are. They are all welcome to come in.”
The Equality Act 2010 states that it’s illegal to refuse to provide goods and services based upon a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
PinkNews approached the Bulldog for comment.
