Bar Louie, located in uptown Minneapolis, has been accused of implementing a dress code that has drawn the ire of some local residents who say it indirectly targets black people, reports Fox 9.
Suggested Reading
The bar’s new policy prohibits attire such as fitted caps, athletic apparel like sports jerseys, ostentatious chains, oversized white T-shirts and other baggy clothing from being worn on weekend nights, explains Fox 9.
Michelle Horowitz, a Minneapolis local, said of the bar’s dress code “might as well just say, ‘No black people allowed.’ It’s ridiculous.”
According to Fox 9, the manager of the Minneapolis location has said that the dress code is a directive from the corporate office; however, the Bar Louie location in suburban Minnetonka, Minn., allegedly hasn’t followed suit.
Imani Vincent, another resident, isn’t so convinced by the manger’s explanation for the controversial rules and proposed that the best way to signal disapproval is by boycotting the establishment.
“Hurt ’em in the pockets,” Vincent suggested, according to Fox 9. “That’s where it would hurt them the most. If they don’t want us there, then we don’t have to be there—and that’s their loss.”
Horowitz added that the policy is indicative of a larger problem of discrimination in the state. “Minnesota might be the nicest, healthiest, cleanest state in America, but we have huge issues as far as segregation, racism, systematic oppression—and people want to look the other way,” Horovitz said, reports Fox 9. “This is not OK, and we’re not going to patronize you if you don’t change your policy.”
Bar Louie’s corporate office had yet to respond to Fox 9’s requests for comment.
Read more at Fox 9.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.