Is it okay to turn someone away from a venue simply because they are by themselves? It’s a question that the Manchester Evening News has been asking over the last two weeks, following reports of two city centre venues doing exactly that.
Ramona in Ancoats and Behind Closed Doors in Northern Quarter were both found to actively stop people entering by themselves due to a ‘no singles policy’ - although this is something they both deny ever having enforced.
And Manchester has reacted with sadness and fury to tales of widowers, and those who simply enjoy their own company, being turned away from bars.
“Don’t get this ludicrous and dated policy,” tweeted Councillor Pat Karney. “It’s 2022. Am sure the Town Hall will want to check this further.”
A number of readers reached out to highlight the various reasons someone might attend a venue alone. Ken Hall, who is a widower, said he regularly ventures into Manchester by himself, and has “a few choice words” for anyone who refused him entry on that basis.
“It is a free country and as long as no laws are being broken why should I be refused entry or a service,” he commented.
“Have they run out of excuses to discriminate now and are looking for new areas of society to discriminate against? Do these bullies get a kick out of looking to find something to discriminate against?”
Have you been turned away from a venue for being by yourself? Let us know in the comments.
Some from outside Manchester also said the policy made them feel unwelcome. Claire MacDonald said she had been put off from venturing into the city by herself on a trip by the experiences of myself and others.
“I travelled on my own to Manchester for work,” she commented. “I considered going to try and eat somewhere but changed my mind after seeing reports of people on their own being turned away. Just bought some fruit in Aldi and went back to my hotel instead.”
Philippa Lunn said: “It’s outrageous, why can’t people go out on their own without getting funny looks or turned away. It’s not right.”
Some suggested the policy could be based on a business decision to save tables for those who visit in groups, and therefore will spend more money.
And others said that safety could be a concern.
Adam Jones commented: “There are a few bars in town that do this, and the reason I have been given in the past is in case you get spiked or too drunk and nobody is around you that knows you and can take care of you, which I think is both a valid point and reasonable excuse.”
While safety should always be the first priority, there are questions to be asked about whether barring singles is the fairest, or most effective way, of keeping everyone safe on a night out.
Jade Buxton asked: “Why don't companies realise single diners and drinkers exist. And we're not all looking to be hidden away.”
Since writing about my experience at Behind Closed Doors, several readers have reached out to me with their own stories of being turned away solely because they were by themselves.
The M.E.N will continue to reach out to venues regarding this policy.
