Last week we reported on c-ville.com about a Sikh UVA student who was denied access to the X Lounge for refusing to remove his turban. Removing the turban to comply with the X Lounge’s no-headwear policy would have violated the student’s faith. Following university outrage over the incident, the X Lounge promptly issued a written apology and later the following statement:
”We have a no head wear policy in place after 9pm as we feel that it is appropriate for the style of our establishment, the X Lounge. Following last week’s incident, we have made sure that everyone at the X Lounge—owners, management and staff—clearly understands our policy in its entirety which is as follows—Head Wear Policy: No type of head wear is permitted, unless it is absolutely apparent that it is required for religious or medical reasons.”
Restaurant dress codes used to take only two forms. At the high end: “Jacket required.” At the low end: “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” Other than perhaps a lingering hippie or two from the 1960s, few have problems with the latter standard anymore, and, interestingly, many of our local high end restaurants do not have strict standards. Fossett’s at Keswick Hall posts this information: “A jacket is suggested but not required. No jeans or shorts please.”
Rather, it’s at the in-between places—the bars and night clubs across America—that we’re increasingly seeing dress codes designed to combat one of two things: (1) slovenliness that brings down the vibe or (2) violent gangs that tend to wear a certain ensemble.
Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, restaurants may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin. A restaurant’s dress code does not per se violate civil rights unless it excludes a particular race or religion or is enforced in an inequitable manner that discriminates against a race or religion (e.g., Caucasian male wearing baseball cap gets in but not African-American male wearing bandana).
So how do other Charlottesville night spots handle this issue? Rapture’s dress code prohibits “excessively baggy clothes,” and owner Mike Rodi says, “This takes care of several problems at once. It deters people from bringing contraband items (anything from their own liquor to dangerous items) and it makes for an overall cleaner, dressier environment.” Rapture also prohibits “excessively ripped/torn clothing, sweatsuits/ athletic wear.” By contrast, Escafé only requires “shoes and a shirt,” says owner Todd Howard, but even that standard gets tested late at night when revelers, hot from dancing, want to shed tops and hop onto the bar Coyote Ugly-style, says Howard.
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Three declines to comment on dress codes, but unveils a new look of its own. |
We contacted Andy McClure, owner of the former Jabberwocky now called three on the Corner, for comment on this story, but he politely declined. In 2006, Jabberwocky had a dress code that prohibited plain white t-shirts, baggy pants, brimless hats, sweatpants and camouflage. At the time, McClure said the purpose was to prevent violent behavior he found to be associated with customers who “dressed a particular way.” When UVA students complained the policy was racist, however, McClure ended it.
On a lighter note, we discovered some interesting news about three. First, a new sign out front reads “No.3” in that traditional pub-type of font that makes you feel it’s socially acceptable to belly up to the bar at 11:30am on a weekday. Second, menu, prices and uniforms have been updated to create a more “fun” and “comfortable” atmosphere, says McClure. Also three is running a menu special on Tuesday nights—everything is $5!
What do you think about bar dress codes? Drop a line to mail bag@c-ville.com or 308 E. Main St., 22902, or go online to c-ville.com and post a comment now!
