Stockport bar responds to backlash over strict new…

Stockport bar responds to backlash over strict new dress code

There's no denying that today's fashion has become a lot more casual. Today, streetwear is the go-to, with many donning high-end trainers, tracksuits and even man bags when they go out.

At one stage, the thought of getting into a pub, restaurant or bar without your smartest pair of shoes on was unheard of - but alas times have changed. This past week, a up-and-coming bar in Stockport introduced a strict new dress code to combat the rise in leisurewear and it caused quite the stir on social media.

Bask in Stockport town centre said it would be launching a smart casual dress code on Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm onwards. Taking to social media to share the update to their house rules, it clarified that on those weekend nights, they wouldn't be admitting anyone with trackies, hoodies, caps, sportswear or manbags.

It would be fair to say that those on on social media had some thoughts. Many took the chance to tease the owners about the new policy, while others supported the move - and a few wanted clarification over whether trainers were allowed. The bar, which was launched by music promoter Benji Taylor and DJ Gareth Brooks, opened earlier this year and has become popular for its live music and comedy nights.

It seemed that in the reaction to the new style rules, the two owners were not immune to the backlash either, with one Twitter user asking whether Brooks would be "Djing from the outside" on weekends, whilst another replied, "Manbags! That @mrgarethbrooks not getting in!"

Bask hosts regular live music and comedy nights in the heart of Stockport (ASP)

On Facebook, a few asked what the bar owners were expecting of their punters: "Bloody hell what they expecting? Three piece suit and sequin dress". Another added: "so if I turn up with a smart casual dress wear and have my man bag with me which carries my medication I won't get in" - a point raised by several others.

The man bag issue seemed to be the debates main sticking point, with one user writing: "Is banning man bags not considered sexist", while others said the move was "generalising".

Fortunately, the pair seemed to take the lively debate in good spirits, personally replying to some of the comments on Twitter with laughing face emojis. Yesterday, they also poked fun at the situation by sharing a tongue-in-cheek message on their Instagram stories and Twitter.

The post read: "Lost a customer, thanks for nothing @MENnewsdesk", above a picture sent to them of a person wearing a hoodie, hat, face covering and a man bag across their chest. The accompanying message said: "I was going to pop in over the weekend but you can f**k right off now pal".

The comments included a gif of Joey from Friends asking about his man bag and a person asking "Wait...What...you mean man bags are banned?" Another said: "A policy held by most bars, anyone who doesn't like it go to Wetherspoons". While many on the original post took the opportunity to make a joke about the clientele, "A bar in Stockport is banning Stockport", or ask for clarification, "what happens if you walk in a 6:59pm with a hoodie on?", a large number on social media actually supported the bar's move.

One person wrote: "What a great idea. When I grew up in Stockport Friday and Saturday nights saw all the young people well dressed," while another chimed in, "well done!! More should do this. It's time we recognised standards!!!!", and another added: "Why shouldn't they? Some people like to make an effort when they go out. It's a great bar."

Of course, Bask isn't the first bar to issue dress code rules, a debate erupted earlier this summer when Rio Ferdinand's city centre restaurant Rosso banned shorts. Many of Manchester's high-end restaurants and bars also have strict rules on trainers when entering in the evening.

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