Kicked Out of a Bar for Wearing a Kilt

**jpo** · 12th February 09, 10:17 PM

Hey everybody,

I have been a long time lurker here, but have finally registered to share a story of discrimination with you all!

I was heading out for a night of drinking and merriment with friends tonight, and we decided to head to "Kildare's Irish Pub". Not my first choice in drinking establishments, as the place strikes me as fake and the prices are silly high, and also not somewhere I would normally go kilted, as I don't want to sully my kilt (a UK Original) with the artificial atmosphere of the place. But I was already dressed and getting thirsty, so there we are.

Anyway, while having my ID checked by the bouncer he asks if I am wearing anything beneath the kilt. Having gone un-bifurcated for nearly two years now, I answered honestly and without hesitation. Upon hearing that I was going regimental the bouncer informs me that I am violating the dress code and he won't let me in.

There are a few things that anger me about this. First off, female patrons aren't subjected to such prying questions as conditions of entry (not that they should be), so why is it acceptable for me to be subjected to such humiliation? Furthermore, so what if I am wearing the kilt properly? Are the boxers I could be wearing underneath really supposed to prevent me from, for some sick reason, exposing myself to a bar full of drunk patrons?

Furthermore I would expect a website with a kilted man on their website to be more kilt-friendly.

Sigh, such is life. Anyone have a similar experience?
Peace,
jim

**Phogfan86** · 12th February 09, 11:04 PM

I think a local TV station might have a really good time with this story.

**Mr. bone** · 13th February 09, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Phogfan86

I think a local TV station might have a really good time with this story.

As a morning radio guy, I can guarantee that I would show no mercy on them.

**siva011** · 13th February 09, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. bone

As a morning radio guy, I can guarantee that I would show no mercy on them.

Not gonna happen. The owner of the Kildare's chain is a regular guest on Philly's most popular morning show. Brings them free food and drinks... they hold events at a couple Kildare's locations... who would bash him and risk losing all that? Especially the free drinks at 7am?????

I've been to Kildare's a few times. Not kilted however. I'll admit they do have a mighty tasty sandwich, but I will agree about the atmostphere. I wouldn't say fake.... I would say trying too hard.

**Phogfan86** · 13th February 09, 11:01 AM

Count one more e-mail sent. I am also asking the nor'east convener for the Clan Macduff Society to send an e-mail and to rally the troops to send an e-mail, as well.

Siva -- what show? What station? They need an e-mail, too.

**ScottyT** · 13th February 09, 11:15 AM

That sucks, sorry for the hassle. I wouldn't go back, but I would make sure they knew the problem -- it sounds like that is taken care of.

I have gotten into several bars and private parties BECAUSE I was wearing a kilt. At one $30/person party I got in for free after the female ticket taker performed a quick kilt check.

EDIT: If a guy asks in that situation -- LIE!

**jpo** · 13th February 09, 02:20 PM

You guys are fantastic. It was a poor decision on my part to take this long to actually register.

Thank you so much for the support everybody. For people looking to contact them here are the e-mails:

Kildare's Newark: newark@kildarespub.com
Kildare's Irish Pub Corporate: kildares@comcast.net

Thank you so much everybody!
jim (See I use lowercase, should make it easier to tell me from Jim)

**siva011** · 13th February 09, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Phogfan86

Siva -- what show? What station? They need an e-mail, too.

He's all over 933 WMMR. And guaranteed if a letter was sent to them, the DJ's would read it on air, make fun of it, and encourage MORE people to harass kilties... maybe even make a contest out of it. It would be open season in Philly.

**SteveB** · 12th February 09, 11:06 PM

Apparently this is a chain establishment in Pennsylvania, from what I can gather from their dancing kilty website.
There is a "Contact Us" button on the drop down "About Us". I would use it to advise the management of the behaviour of this door attendant. It would seem as if there might be a training need for the door attendant. Voice yourself well in your letter to which ever one of the bars that you were denied entry with a copy to the bottom contact, which is their head office. Also let them know that their actions are now well known on the web. It should get a reply very quickly.
BTW,

,a warm Celtic

from Boston, Massachusetts. Our Pubs are a lot more kilt friendly.
Slainte