Kicked Out of a Bar for Wearing a Kilt

[Coinneach]

from both southern US coasts.

Such experiences as you experienced are rare. I guess the lesson learned is whenever someone with authority asks, ask to speak to their supervisor; there should be no double-standard for male and female patrons.

Usually, my response is either, "You first" or "Sorry, I'm already attached."

My favorite local Irish pub has a bouncer after 8. I've never understood why. But they card everybody when the bouncer is there. I'm well over the age and a regular, but if you pass then they put on a little paper bracelet to let the staff know they've done their job. I let them put on the bracelet a few times and then once inside the door tore it off. Now, I just don't go after 8. I've told them they've cut their revenue because it's no longer fun for me and I don't feel welcome after 8. They get to keep their policy. I get to keep my money.

[BKPowell]

My experience has been that there is, indeed, a double standard.
Last Halloween, I wore my Sportkilt McDonald to the office. One of our bosses asked the standard question, "What you got on under there?".
I gave him the standard answer, "shoes & socks".
Not satisfied with that answer, he asked again, this time with "really" in front of the question.
This time, I answered honestly, and that satisfied him.
Some folks get a little uncomfort with the idea that you could possibly be "reg" under your kilt, mostly with the male folk. The ladies in the office liked my kilt, some of the guys didn't, but, yeah, its the one time in the year where I can break the dress code.
So, back to the double standard thing. The other day (and it wasn't Halloween) one of the young ladies that works in our building - not my department - wore a mini-skirt. She does this quite offen, but no one objects, and I'm sure no one asks the standard question either.

thanks, Brad

[Panache]

Gents,

Sadly there have been a number of instances over the years with stupid and/or drunk men who either intentionally or unintentionally showed the world their shortcomings whilst wearing a kilt.

If you are wondering why so people have concern about this, that is the answer.

It behooves us as fairly serious kilt wearers (regardless of how frequently we wear kilts) to counteract this stereotype by showing ourselves to be first and foremost Gentlemen.

Cheers

Jamie

[Jack Daw]

Cool. I like hangin' out in the Lobby. Do they serve drinks there?

Unfortunately, no and it tends to be drafty in winter being close to the front door and all.

[Jack Daw]

Gents,

It behooves us as fairly serious kilt wearers (regardless of how frequently we wear kilts) to counteract this stereotype by showing ourselves to be first and foremost Gentlemen.

Cheers

Jamie

...by not showing ourselves.

[jpo]

To those clamoring for me to contact the management, I already had before I started this thread, the text is posted somewhere in the early pages of this thread.

Anway, I got a response from Newark, but none from corporate yet:

Hi James,

My name is Brian Houck and I am the General Manager of Kildare's Irish Pub in Newark, DE. I was extremely dissappointed to hear of the
event that occured at my pub the other nite, but would like to take this opportunity to explain the policy in place, as to why you were denied
entry.

We have experienced an extremely delicate situation previously at one of our other locations, when we allowed a gentleman to enter wearing
a kilt in the manner that you were the other nite. Let's just say that our worst fear came to reality at a later point in the nite, and the man ended
up exposing himself to some of our female guests and the situation turned very ugly. Since that time, we have made it a rule that any male
patrons wearing a kilt have to be properly covered underneath, so that we are able to avoid a repeat of this occurance. We have to look out
for the best interest of the business and our many other guests. Think about how much money could possibly be lost due to lawsuits and
lawyer fees, if someone decided to pursue legal action against us and the person that was accused of the wrongdoing.

Our intention is never to turn away business from anyone in any situation, but there is a fine line to walk and our standards and policies
must be upheld in order for us to provide a safe and fun environment for all. I would ask for you to please give me a call and we can set up
a time to meet and discuss further any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the events of this nite. I look forward to hearing
from you in the very near future.

Sincerely,

Brian G Houck
Managing Partner, Kildare's Irish Pub, Inc.

I am composing a response at the moment, addressing the fact that just because someone is wearing a kilt doesn't make them a deviant, and the fact that it is regardless unacceptable to ask such questions in a civilized setting.

I will keep everyone posted.
jim

[jpo]

Some folks get a little uncomfort with the idea that you could possibly be "reg" under your kilt, mostly with the male folk.

I am very familiar with the reaction. My one roommate refuses to call it a kilt, and has even said that even were a kilt it would still be too weird to be acceptable. Sigh.

Further more a friend that was with me that night is convinced that they wouldn't let me in for health code reasons. I am still trying to work that one out, because if there were food or drink below the hemline of my "lower than traditional"* Utilikilt, then the health problems at the establishment are not being caused by my attire.

*Though not nearly as low as the kilted man in the photo from Kildare's website. I do have some sense.

jim

[gilmore]

Though the response I received from Brian Houck (that's a Dutch name, isn't it?) was rather vague, the sense I got from it and the several other emails in our exchange was that the problem was with a drunk woman pulling up a man's kilt, on one occassion.

Nonetheless, he says that Kildare's will strictly enforce its policy of not allowing men in kilts with no undies.

I wouldn't go there.

[jpo]

Sorry, but I can't jump on the "tar and feather Kildare's" bandwagon. granted, he had no business asking, but what kind of response did you expect by actually telling him? When a bouncer asks, red flag should go up, hmmmm? Some communities actually interpret their indecent exposure laws pretty strictly. And there IS a double standard compared to women. Is it right?....nope....but it's there. Noone gets the real answer if they ask me.


I'd LIE in that situation.

I have heard that question as many times as anyone here. Passersby ask me as I walk down the street, bartenders at other (better) bars have asked, as have cashiers at the supermarket. I don't even think about it anymore and usually just say no and move the conversation onward. As fantastic as the witty responses suggested here have been, I honestly don't enjoy talking to relative strangers about my underwear, so I usually just answer and move the conversation elsewhere. When the bouncer asked me I just went into the same mindset and just assumed things would move on as before.

I am not asking anyone to jump on a bandwagon. People have just PM'd me asking for contact information because they desired to do something about the situation. I am very grateful for the solidarity they have shown, but I am not upset, nor to I hold a grudge, against those who choose not to get involved.

Peace,
jim

[Panache]

jpo,

Thank you for posting the manager's response.

As I thought, their policy is a reaction to a previous incident.

The individual who wore a kilt to this establishment did not show good judgement and has made things very difficult for the bar and for other kilt wearers.

That person may be at fault but because of them the establishment has to try to figure out how to prevent further incidents.

I certainly understand you not wishing to give your patronage to this bar, but on the other hand I certainly understand their policy.

Hopefully there will be more kilted gentlemen willing to make small compromises who will frequent the bar and show that this other fellow was the exception and not the rule.

Cheers

Jamie