The incident took place on December 4th at the Cameo Club in Bournemouth, where 15 Men from London had booked a table for their annual reunion for being in a group that was ‘too large’.
The group of 20-something year olds from London had booked a table at Cameo Bar in advance, saving their space with a £750 reserve and each member of the group was on the guest list.
However, the reason for Cameo Club’s refusal has raised suspicions as the Bar advertises that it features booths for Stag and Hen Parties, allowing Party-goers to book booths for up to 25 people.
Furthermore, in a video released by one of the members who were refused entry, it can be seen that the group were not rowdy or drunk and were adhering to the dress code. The video also shows a group of around 10 white men, entering the club without hassle.
In the days since the incident, Cameo has defended their stance in a statement which reads;
We are aware of the allegations that have been made regarding refusing entry to a group of 15 males on Saturday night. We categorically refute these allegations. We operate a professional and well run venue and we reserve the right to refuse entry for various reasons, but race is never one of them. We have a diverse customer base and staffing at the club. Based on our vast experience and judgement we did not allow in a total of 150 people on Saturday night. We have fully refunded the group and apologise for any disappointment.
Mr Lionel feels hat the only conclusion the friends could draw was that the doormen did not want to let in a large group of Black men from London.
“To deliberately discriminate, prejudge and, dare I say it, be racist is disgusting. The manner in which things unfolded was very painful and traumatising, which left us all with a bitter taste in our mouths.”
Cameo Club has since refunded the £750 reserve and have apologised for ‘any disappointment’.