Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

LGBT

Cork bar 'meant no offence whatsoever' in asking gay couple to leave

The Old Oak bar, and the gay couple asked to leave it after kissing there on Friday, issue a joint statement after meeting today.

THE CORK BAR which asked a gay couple to leave after they kissed on the premises on Friday night has issued a joint statement with the couple, acknowledging that matters ‘could have been handled in a better way’.

A doorman at the Old Oak Bar had asked a Cork IT student and his boyfriend to leave the premises after they kissed on the bar’s dancefloor, a short time after being given an earlier warning for another kiss.

The statement posted by the bar on its Facebook page – which had been taken offline for some time, amid a torrent of public complaints – said all parties involved had met today to discuss the events.

“After deliberations and discussions both parties accepted and conceded that mistakes were made by all involved,” it said.

“The Old Oak apologised for any offence which was taken” by its doorman’s actions, “but stressed that no offence whatsoever was meant or intended, as we are not, and never have been, anti-gay.”

The statement said that the couple involved, who wish to remain anonymous, “accepted that they could have handled matters in a better way.”

The two parties “look forward to continuing good relations and custom”, the statement concluded.

Events on Friday had prompted a number of Facebook pages and events protesting the bar’s actions.

Read: Cork bar accused of kicking gay couple out for kissing >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
59
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.