Residents protest Rhu Bar discrimination against disabled.

[Basingstoke Observer, April 5, 2007]

The Observer's RIC SUMNER reports as protesters try to call
time on ban from town nightspot.

Disabled and able-bodied protesters joined forces on Friday
night to picket Top Of The Town nightspot the Rhu Bar in a
bid to force owner Rob Bates to end his controversial ban
on disabled customers.

The peaceful demonstration took place at 8pm - the time that
Mr Bates says is the cut-off for people on crutches or in
a wheelchair to enter the Rhu Bar.

About 35 protesters, armed with placards saying 'Equal
Rights for the Disabled', were involved in the demonstration.

Popley West councillor Jane Frankum, who walks with a cane
due to severe arthritis, said: "I'm delighted with the
turnout. It's really highlighted how strongly people feel
about this issue. Everybody knows someone who is disabled.
Do we become sub-human at 8pm?"

The demonstration follows the Observer's revelations that
Mr Bates has ordered doormen to deny access to anyone in a
wheelchair or on crutches after 8pm, a decision which has
been heavily criticised by Observer online readers.

Michael Dean, 25, has had to rely on crutches for three
years after suffering nerve damage, and was refused entry
to the Rhu Bar before attending the protest.

He told The Observer: "They wouldn't let me in on the
flimsy excuse I had crutches and the manager wouldn't come
out and explain properly.

"People need to know about this issue and something needs
to be done. I've never had this problem anywhere else in
Basingstoke or other towns."

A statement released by Clarke and Son Solicitors on behalf
of the Rhu Bar said: "We have completed a full access audit
of our premises in accordance with legislation and the
outcome is, that there is no reasonable changes that can
be made to alter the premises which will allow wheelchair
access.

"All decisions that have been made are to ensure that none
of our customers come to any harm and are based on health
and safety reasons.

"As licensees of full-licensed premises we have a legal
duty to run a safe premises.

"We make this decision based on health and safety grounds
for all our customers, therefore eliminating any potential
issues before they arise."




http://www.basingstokeobserver.co.uk/news.aspx?id=193




http://www.basingstokeobserver.co.uk/news.aspx?id=194




http://www.basingstokeobserver.co.uk/news.aspx?id=255




http://www.basingstokeobserver.co.uk/news.aspx?id=294




Rhu Bar
21 London Street
Basingstoke
Hampshire
United Kingdom
RG21 7NT


(01256) 351144
(01256) 357869

(44)(1256) 351144
(44)(1256) 357869


jazz@rhubar.co.uk


::::: Rhubar :::::
The Rhubar - Live Jazz Music Venue.

www.rhubar.co.uk

www.rhubar.com


Rhu Bar owner:
Robert Bates


Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Licence Number:
05/00591/PREMC


Name & Registered Office:
RHU BAR LTD
130 HIGH STREET
HUNGERFORD
BERKSHIRE RG17 0DL
UNITED KINGDOM
Company No. 03855839