Isle of Man bar bans PDAs that ‘disrupt’ straight clientele: ‘We entertain children too’
"We are not a gay bar and never can be"
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Pexels
A bar in the Isle of Man has sparked outrage after outlining and extensively defending a policy against public displays of affection (PDAs) that “disrupt” straight punters.
The warning against “antisocial behaviour” at Guys and Dolls nightclub in Douglas coincides with its reopening after a period of coronavirus-induced closure.
In a Facebook post last Sunday [23 May 2021], a rep called the vintage dance and music venue “community based” [sic], later adding: “we entertain children too.”
“We are not a gay bar and never can be”
The original post reads: “We are very pleased to welcome our new staff members and will now resume taking bookings.
“All staff are now aware of our PDA policy and why we apply it. Also the manor it’s being used to undermine our community based function.
“Any further attempts to deliberately provoke it will be regarded as antisocial behavior aimed directly to disrupt our straight clientele, many of whom have family members who are from LGBT+ groups. We all support this approach and will enforce it. Welcome to equal rights and 2021.”
The post has received 761 comments and 171 shares at the time of writing.
“None of our staff are homophobic in any way”
Following fierce backlash from Facebook users, a Guys and Dolls rep commented on the post: “Awaits the usual negativity. We are not a gay bar and never can be. What was in the past belongs there, leave it behind and embrace the future where everyone is equal.”
They later added: “Yawn, we aren’t a conventional business, we run as a community service. Closing us removes the service for all, it can’t be hijacked.”
Another comment said: “The people above seem to think than can gain something lost ten years ago by closing a public service that exists to serve local families with a function room for all entertaining Hen parties, birthday bashes and retirement groups etc.. why?
“Absolutely none of our staff are homophobic in any way. Our public sessions are open to all regardless of sexuality as is the law. Accusing us of homophobia is ridiculous.”
In yet another comment, the rep said: “Maximum negativity, keep it up! We aren’t a gay bar, and never can be everyone is equal now. Private bookings from only £100 including experienced entertainer. We entertain children too.”
“We have high standards of public behaviour”
In a fresh post the following day, a bar rep again clarified the policy, saying it applies to all customers regardless of sexuality – but stopped short of apologising for the original post, which specifically concerned the provocation of straight clientele.
They said: “We’ve been asked to post an explanation about our PDA policy and why it’s there.
“Our venue is fully inclusive, we welcome all, LGBT+, straight or of any ethnicity. Our target clientele is the more mature audience who enjoy older music but the door is open to all.
“We have high standards of public behavior in keeping with our type of license. This includes regulating behavior that would be considered by other guests as socially unacceptable. In a mixed environment this sometimes gets confused as being unfair when it isn’t. Our rules apply to all regardless of sexuality etc.
“A simple kiss between two people wouldn’t cause any issue, it happens frequently. However when things get a little more heated it’s a different story and as in any public venue a request to cool it down will be made. This is usually all that happens. If after warning it continues further action may result. It doesn’t matter if it’s two males, two females or a male and a female, it’s something that applies to all.
“On some occasions we have encountered deliberately staged acts in prominent places, these are treated in the same manor.
“We will be very happy to explain the policy to any authority who approaches for review, and will happily cooperate fully.
“Much of the misunderstanding here comes from the name many remember from the previous administration, the ‘no kissing rule’, it isn’t what it seems, we are doing nothing out of the ordinary [sic].”
“Clearly run by bigots”
Facebook user Austin Sheridan commented on Guys and Dolls’ original post: “Anyone on this who lives on the Isle of Man should write to their local elected representatives and make a complaint to the licensing board (or equivalent) to raise concerns. I think in this day and age it is utterly disgraceful for a licensed premises to be talking about protecting their ‘straight clientele’ by essentially saying gay people need to stop showing public display of affection in the venue. I find this very concerning. Clearly run by bigots. Disgusting.”
Debra Tracey-Carney added: “I am completely, utterly horrified at the discriminatory, inflammatory and disrespectful views and comments, of the owner/manager of Guys and Dolls. I have never been there and would certainly never would now. It is clear this person is closed to the idea that his outdated and homophobic views are wrong. It’s time for screenshots of this distressing thread be taken to the authorities.”
Three.fm quotes Guys and Dolls owner Richard Wernham as saying: “An affectionate kiss, a bit of a cuddle, that’s fine. We turn a blind eye to it. Where it starts to be people are actually into each other’s faces, and hands down pants and stuff like that, we tell them to ‘knock it off’.”
Same-sex sex was legalised in the Isle of Man in 1992; it was legalised in England and Wales in 1967.
Attitude has approached Guys and Dolls for further comment.
H/t: PN.
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