'Race policy' on nightclub doors

Ismaila Jatta said he believed he was turned away because of his race

Two Leeds nightclubs have denied they operate a door policy based on race after the BBC investigated claims black and Asian people were being excluded.

Inside Out sent a group of black and Asian men and a group of white men to the Rehab and Townhouse nightclubs wearing exactly the same clothes.

At both clubs, the group of black and Asian men were turned away at the door.

Both venues have said they in no way discriminate against people because of their race, religion or disability.

'Not tonight'

But a former Rehab doorman claimed he was told not to let black and Asian people in on particular nights.

Two groups, identically dressed, were filmed trying to enter the clubs

The doorman, who did not want to be identified, said: "We were specifically told... we don't want any black and Asians in and that was specific... they were knocking black and Asian people back."

IT professional Ismaila Jatta said he was shocked when he and a friend were refused entry to the Townhouse and believed the decision was race-related.

He said: "We went and joined the queue and as I looked up, I saw a coloured guy being turned away from the queue.

"A few minutes after, this doorman came up to me asking whether I was with my mate.

"I said 'Yes, I was with him and is there a problem?' He said, 'No, there's no problem but you're not coming in tonight'.

The Townhouse denied Mr Jatta's claims and said that he and his friend were abusive towards door staff. But the two friends said they did not accept this.

'Bordering on ridiculous'

The BBC filmed undercover as the men were refused entry

During an investigation into the claims, BBC undercover cameras watched as the two groups of identically-dressed men tried to get into both clubs.

Both clubs rejected the group of black and Asian men. Townhouse gave no reason for its decision and Rehab claimed they had to be members, but the group of white men were allowed through the doors.

In a statement, Rehab said the suggestion that the nightclub operated an entrance policy based on race "borders on the ridiculous".

The club said it held regular Bhangra, R&B and Hip Hop events designed to attract people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

It added: "On the particular night of your observations Rehab was hired out to a reputable promoter who also hosts various events at numerous nightclubs within the city.

"However I can categorically state that all promoters who utilise our venue operate a friendly open door policy regardless of race."

The group of white men were allowed straight into both clubs

Diverse clientele

Townhouse also said the claims were untrue.

In a statement, the club said: "Townhouse's success is largely attributed to the diversity of our clientele... our customers come from a wide demographic range of race, sex and age.

"Townhouse's clientele is made up of fashionably dressed, glamorous people, and our entry policy is decided by a combination of dress, behaviour and attitude.

"Whilst the complete consistency of any such system is not infallible, Townhouse would again reiterate that decisions are in no way based on race, and any suggestions that Townhouse either refuses entry or limits entry based on race, religion, sex or disability are untrue."