Even by the standards of Blackpool on a Saturday night, they must have been a sight to behold - nine gay men and transsexuals, several wearing women's clothing. The men were, it seems safe to say, a broad-minded bunch. They are, however, unlikely to say the same of staff at Pizza Hut. When the group asked for a table, they claim they found themselves rapidly back out on the street. Michael Kemp, 48, who was wearing a miniskirt and other female attire, said: "When we arrived at the Pizza Hut, we noticed people were staring at us and laughing. "A male member of staff approached us with a big smirk on his face and, when we asked for a table, he told us that the restaurant had run out of pizzas and told us to try somewhere else. "We couldn't believe it. Who's ever heard of a Pizza Hut running out of pizzas? It was clear they were embarrassed by us, especially because some of us were wearing women's clothing, and didn't want us in the restaurant." Now Mr Kemp, Paul Barnabas, 47, and his partner Iain Buck, 38, are claiming up to £3,000 compensation from the worldwide chain, saying they were discriminated against because of their sexuality. Their brief encounter with Pizza Hut staff came last summer, shortly after it became illegal for shops, bars or restaurants to refuse to serve anyone because of their sexuality. Their claim, which is being funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, is thought to be the first under the legislation. Mr Kemp, a gardener and flower arrangement demonstrator, is a member of Encompass - a group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual men and women in Flintshire. He said they were enjoying a weekend away when they decided to go to Pizza Hut in Church Street, Blackpool, at around 6pm. Some of the men, who were transsexuals, were wearing dresses or short skirts, women's underwear and high heels. Mr Kemp said: "None of us had been drinking. I suppose we did look a bit odd, but no worse than any of the hen and stag parties that visit Blackpool every weekend. "We felt humiliated, shocked and down-trodden by being refused a table. I'm not a gay activist, but I believe it is important people aren't discriminated against simply because of their private life. "If this restaurant had turned away a group of black men, there would have been an outcry." A spokesperson for Pizza Hut said: "We find discrimination of any kind completely unacceptable and are taking this allegation extremely seriously. "Unfortunately, we are unable to comment further as this matter has been passed to our solicitors." dailymail
well, if you look at this from a different point of view, if a straight woman came to the restaurant wearing revealing clothing like a super short miniskirt and a super small tube top (covering only the boobs) im sure she wouldve have been refused as well. these were men cross dressing, which was as inappropriate in a family restaurant wear there are kids, just as much as that skanky looking girl. just because they were gay doesnt mean they were kicked out because of their sexuality.
^ Not necessarily untrue, however, it's the "excuse" Pizza Hut gave which is most inappropriate in this case. I mean, if they are refusing service because of their manner of dress, they can totally say so (and the store policy probably would warrant them doing so too, saving themselves a huge lawsuit on discriminatory behaviour) and not lie about not having pizza... Which is a retarded joke in and of itself.
well u have to consider that fact that the guys are wearing mini skirts and female attire. that was probably the main reason they got rejected. its not really pizza's hut fault, its the same way as having a begger walking in really dirty smelly muddy filthy attire, but has the money to buy a slice. but i agree, u dont have to say theres no pizza, just say ur wearing appropriate attire!!!!
Now we just need to find photos and start a poll on the best excuse. But really, I would have thought that they can handle it much more gracefully (sitting them in a corner and make sure they don't make a fuss about anything, anything AT ALL). Last time I check, Pizza Hut doesn't have a dress code -rolleyes
u have a point...placing them in the corner of the restaurent... but sometimes you have to wear the right attire for the right moment, in this case they got it wrong. oh well, better luck next time -tongue2
Meh, it's quite rich coming from a store withOUT dress code, if they care so much about the manner of dress of their customer, they should have certain policies put in place... <_< Silly people.
The staff should of gone straight to the point of telling him it's inappropriate instead of making the lamest excuse ever.
@ hiake: well about that dress code, its obvious you cant wear inappropriate attire in a general public place.. its just ethics. we know not to wear ill-mannered clothing in a FAMILY restaurant. thats just a general rule that we all have to take at heart. theres no need to display a dress code at places where you are expected to wear accordingly. although i do agree that the pizza hut personal have done wrong in using that lame excuse...
I am not arguing that whether woman's lingerie is proper attire to visit a Pizza Hut, at least I personally won't be paying any restaurant a visit in lingerie, but it's just BEGGING to be flamed with that kind of retarded excuse, not to mention it's an outright LIE. Those guys are gay, but they are not retarded. Pluh-ease.
