South London venue, Brixton's Fridge Bar, has blamed members of the black community for the closure of a number of venues in South London.
In a Facebook post, which the author, speaking on behalf of the venue, admits is controversial, Fridge Bar states that "black men and increasingly some black women" are to blame for bad behaviour in bars and clubs, calling on people to act 'in a civil manner' in various venues across the capital. It also lists a number of venues in South London which have been closed in recent years, stating that every venue was closed due to either violence, or the threat of violence.
Facebook followers spoke out in support of the post, with commenters praising the venue for the statement.
Click here to read the Fridge Bar statement on Facebook, or see in full below.
"OK. A controversial post. If you are easily offended then stop reading from here. At Fridge Bar we try to provide an environment where customers can enjoy themselves in peace. We have barred many people for abuse to staff, stopped under 21's from entry, refused to allow certain promoters to use our venue because we know that they attract a certain demographic who are inclined towards disruption of other peoples enjoyment.
Have you all been noticing what is happening in S London and wider London in general? Here are a list of clubs that have closed down in the past couple of years in S London:- White House, Monseignor, Blue Ice, Iroko, George IV, Telegraph, Veranda, Mass, Babalou, El Penol, Hidden, Mint Bar, Brockwells, Sebastians & Dex. Most have remained closed and the owners have left the business entirely. I know virtually every single owner. Almost every single venue has closed because of violence, the threat of violence, disrespect to their staff and coming to the inevitable conclusion that it is better to close than putting up with that bullshit. Venues such as Hidden and Colosseum which is closing soon will tell you of the horrendous problems that they experienced. They are closing due to redevelopment. But speak to the promoters of Circo Loco, AudioWhore or Back to 95'. You might be shocked at what they have to say.
The absolute majority of people who have disrupted theses venues are black men and increasingly some black women. There, I said it. It is true, I have witnessed it and there is both anecdotal and empirical evidence that what I say is true. Venues that have remained open now only allow majority black events if they pay a massive premium and even then they have to complete a 696 form to ascertain whether the police will allow the event to go ahead. Some are now accusing the venues and the police of being 'racist' in their application. Personally I know this to be horseshit. Licensing officers in Lambeth is in the best shape ever. They are fair, impartial and assist venues who are doing the right thing.
Unless and until young black people (18-35) learn to conduct themselves in a civil manner then the night time economy will be closed or severely restricted to you. I know some will say that it is a 'minority' doing the damage but I disagree. The minority know that they have the support of the majority who fail to call them out when their behaviour becomes awful. I spoke to the owner yesterday of one of Brixtons best known venues that has had serious problems since Xmas and he has now secretly put the place up for sale. He does not want to be construed as 'racist' by stating the blindingly obvious about where the majority of the trouble is stemming from. So Brixton is on the verge of losing another iconic venue. Some will say that the venues need 'stronger' security. Security staff are now glorified PR men. They have little power and to be honest they are not going to put their lives on the line for £12-£15ph.
Chris Rock said in a comedy skit that there is a difference between 'black people and niggas'. There is, but it seems that the decent black people of whom there are many are losing the fight. We need to take back control and start to ostracise the bastards who are giving us all a terrible name. If you are offended, well, I did tell you not to read it. I am not PC.........."
