Bar's controversial rule banning 'single entry' sparks fierce debate

A Greater Manchester bar has sparked backlash online after punters learned solo drinkers are barred from entering after a certain time.

When it comes to late evening solo dates, some will find the cinema beckons, while others will want to nip into their local for a quick alcoholic beverage.

But if your nearest bar is a cocktail and karaoke haven called Alibi in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, then bad news: you may not be able to enter alone after 9pm.

The Trafford-based establishment, which has two private hire rooms and hosts a weekly pub quiz, stated that customers who are alone when the bar is busy won’t be able to come in.

According to official house rules, this is to prioritise ‘the safety of all guests’.

In an interview with the BBC, Carl Peters, owner of the bar, said that the rule has been in place since opening and was designed to ‘mitigate risk’.

The jaw-dropping policy is also enforced to ‘protect his customers’ from being ‘mithered’ by solo drinkers.

Anyone heading to the venue should also be aware that a strict dress code is in operation, promising to turn away anyone wearing Stone Island and/or a baseball cap.

Ripped and/or frayed jeans, sportswear and track suits aren’t allowed either.

The final statement on the entrance policy is that anyone bringing ‘roadman vibes’ to the table will also find their entry barred.

The controversial door policy has gone viral on social media, with one person describing the Shaw Road business’s legislation as ‘narrow minded’.

Someone else said it was ‘discriminatory, as per The Express.

In response, Peters said: “Sorry mate, you’re very easily offended. Are you single?

“Do you mean it’s because you’re single? As in not married to someone. Is that what you think this is saying?”

He added: “There’s nothing quite like middle-aged blokes telling other middle-aged blokes what is offensive and what is not, about something that has got nothing to do with them.”

In a new clip, posted today (19 November), the market town landlord admitted he was ‘ready to draw a line’ under his viral rules.

“I won’t apologise for prioritising people’s welfare, safety when they come to Alibi,” he confessed.

“That is literally the number one priority for us, followed by making sure that you’re all having an amazing time and that Britney Spears has been played.”

Peters explained that while he understood that some people won’t agree with his bar’s policy, he reckons he only has issues once or twice per month.

“It’s usually someone drunk at midnight, wandering around, trying to find somewhere to go… It doesn’t mean we don’t let people in on their own… Just when the bar’s absolutely packed, it’s like a nightclub in there, we don’t, because it’s not safe.”

Instagram users have come out in their droves to support the businessman, with one writing: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the news story. It’s your venue; you make the decisions and if people don’t like it then tough. Onwards!”

“Free publicity for the bar if anything I am sure the vast majority understand and appreciate this policy anyway,” replied someone else.

A third commented: “Well said safety first.”

In a statement for FOODbible, Peters said that Alibi is a 'late-night party bar, pretty much like a nightclub.'

"People come to celebrate and party with us, and we're fortunate to have run a popular and safe venue for three years, having had our door policy the same the entire time."

"We have a door policy to ensure that the venue is a safe space for everybody. Like every other night venue.

I have never come across an instance whereby somebody has ventured to our bar on a night out on their own, in the late night."