The Sikh community in the UK has been left infuriated after a student from the community was asked to leave a bar, because of wearing a turban. Some are also considering boycotting the bar after this incident. They have taken social media to voice their disgust, many planning to call the bar to tell them what they feel.
Student Amrik Singh, a Sikh, was asked to leave Rush, a bar in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire by the security, on the grounds that the bar had a 'no headwear' policy. They did not seem to be able to differentiate between a turban and a ‘headwear’ like a cap - an ignorance unacceptable in today’s 'so called' multicultural and diverse Britain. The Sikhs are famous for their role in British army, especially in World Wars and the Palace of Westminster also has a few turbaned Parliamentarians.
Singh recorded himself explaining to the security of the bar that his turban is a religious requirement and was then allegedly told: "I didn't think you were allowed to drink anyway."
Singh, 22, is a law student at Nottingham Trent University. He went to Rush with friends on Friday night. He was initially allowed in but was later approached and told he had to remove his turban.
He reportedly said: "I explained that a turban isn't just headgear, but part of my religion and that I was allowed to wear a turban in public. The bouncer allegedly ignored this and said I needed to take it off.
"I refused and was subsequently dragged away from my friends."
Singh said he then demanded to speak to whoever was in charge as he felt "victimised" and recorded the conversation. He even repeatedly explains the significance of his turban but is told any headgear is against club policy, "like trainers".
He was eventually allowed back in but told in future he would be barred. He said: "This experience ruined my night. It broke my heart.
"I'm very fortunate that I'm well spoken and I am able to stand up for myself. What if it was someone who wasn't confident was told to leave? I am disgusted."
He said that he has not reported the incident to police as he did not believe a law had been broken but was "considering legal options".
He added that he wants the main impact of the case to be one of education "about what is it like to be treated this way".
The bar's management has been reported to have apologised to Singh, calling it "absolutely unacceptable" and confirming the staff member in question had been suspended.
