A new bar and restaurant set to open in Surrey this week has been slammed online over its “sexist” dress code for women, after since-deleted outfit recommendations were posted to its website.
Beluga Bar, set to open in Leatherhead, Surrey, is an art-deco-inspired establishment that apparently takes its dress code extremely seriously. At first glance, the venue’s policy of outlawing hoodies and tracksuits doesn’t seem too outlandish for a smart venue.
However, people began noticing since-deleted details in the dress code that were somewhat more alarming, namely recommending specific outfits for its female clientele.
Per LadBible, an entry on the bar’s website read:
“Dress code is smart casuals with jackets for men, no tracksuits, no t-shirt and women can wear skinny jeans with sexy black ankle-strap heels and with a form-fitting top.
“Alternatively, there are many different types of dresses that would look good at a bar in the summer or winter, namely a midi or bodycon dresses.”
And it wasn’t long before people were making their feelings known, and slammed the bar’s would-be dress code on its Facebook page.
“Your dress code is disgusting and sexist! Should be ashamed… a lot of people will be boycotting.” One Facebook user wrote, while a second added, “Never in a million years! Your dress code is appallingly misogynistic. If this is how you treat your customers, I pity your employees.
“Your antiquated attitude is shocking, disgusting and not welcome. Shame on you all.”
The entry appears to have since been deleted from the bar’s website.
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The venue has since posted a statement to Instagram addressing the comments. “We would like to express our sincere apologies for the T&C’s mistakenly published on our website on Tuesday the 8th February 2022, in relation to the dress code. The description was inappropriate, disrespectful and offensive and does not reflect the image we’re seeking to promote.”
The post goes on to clarify that the dress code is “smart” for both men and women.
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