Bar denies sexual prejudice allegations

A BAR has denied claims a Newcastle couple was refused entry because they are gay.

Jake Archer claimed on social media that bouncers refused to let him and his partner Patrick Hannon into Jake’s Bar in Leeds.

The bar apologised and launched a probe – but claims an investigation has cleared staff of wrongdoing.“A guest’s sexual orientation would never and has never been a determining factor as to whether they would be permitted entry into the bar,” bosses wrote on Facebook.

“We can confirm at no point was Patrick Hannon’s and Jake Archer’s sexual orientation a determining factor as to whether they could or could not enter the bar. As soon as we became aware of the allegations we immediately reached out to Mr Hannon and Mr Archer.

“We have also engaged with many of our LGBTQIA+ regulars and friends who understand that, under no circumstances, was Mr Hannon’s and Mr Archer’s sexual orientation a determining factor in them being denied entry.” However, the bar has apologised after a doorman told the couple that it was “mixed couples only” inside.

“We will be investing in training for our external door team and all our staff to ensure all members of our team, and that anyone representing our bar, uses the appropriate language,” added the bar. Jake’s Bar in Leeds