Gay man says sign at pub is ‘homophobic’

5:24pm Tuesday 22nd August 2006

A SHOP worker fears gay drinkers are being pushed out of a pub.

The Crown and Anchor, Park Road, Bromley, has been the main place for the borough's homosexuals to socialise in for more than 20 years.

Workers from Beckenham Hospital's sexual health clinic regularly hold a stall there, offering sexual advice and handing out condoms.

It has also been designated as part of the third party reporting scheme by Bromley police, meaning people could go there to report hate crimes.

But the pub closed on August 2 for a refit after being sold by the Weir Inns pub chain.

Shop assistant Chris Jones says he was told everyone would be welcome when the pub reopened.

But it is three weeks into the refit and notices have been put on the windows saying it is no longer an exclusively gay pub.

The signs tell people looking for a gay pub to go to the Stonewall Bar in Lewisham.

Mr Jones fears this means gays will not be welcome when the pub reopens.

The 43-year-old said: "I feel disappointed. It was a place of contact for friends and more than just a pub."

He believes there was no need for the signs to be put up if the new owners truly intended to welcome everyone.

Mr Jones added: "They are obviously trying to get rid of us. They would appear to now want to discriminate against gay people.

"It is homophobic and I read it to say We do not want gays here'.

"We are losing our community and a place for young people to come out. I was there 20 years ago but now where do they go?"

Adam Lott used to run the sexual health clinic at the pub and done research into gay people's needs by talking to the customers.

The health development adviser said: "Under new management I don't think I will be able to run my service.

"I think the notice is potentially deterring gay people from the place."

The pub's new owner, Tom Smith of Gladewood Taverns, said: "The sign is purely informative because we are working until about 10pm and get people saying Where is the nearest gay venue?

"There is nothing homphobic about it at all. The only reason this bar is not going to be staying as a gay bar is because of business."

He added: "We're making the place children-friendly and the first non-smoking bar in Bromley.

"There was not enough of the gay community coming in here to make it a viable proposition. I just want a family-friendly bar which makes money. I am not homophobic."

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