South Side (Pittsburgh) bar's new dress code creates controversy

WPXI ^ | August 15, 2018

[rightwingintelligentsia]

A South Side bar owner’s dress code is generating calls for a boycott.

Andrew Balint recently posted the dress code for Twelve Whiskey BBQ and it began circulating on social media. African-Americans in Pittsburgh began to take notice, saying the guidelines seem to target them.

“I'm not going to give my money and enrich your livelihood if you don't respect me as a person. This is a matter of respect,” said Khamil Scantling.

Twelve's dress code, titled "proper attire," contains a long list of clothing that's no longer accepted, including Timberland boots, Air Jordan sneakers, baggy clothing, flashy jewelry and hoodies.

The problem is, people like Scantling say the specificity in this list appears to target a certain demographic of people.

[Chickensoup]

Publicity is publicity.

A place that actively keeps out thugs and low class is a place some people will like.

Everyone should go where they are comfortable.

Perhaps you could up your game for church? Set an example for the future generations and all that?

[mewzilla]

He might think so. There are some folks I know rolling in dough that I wouldn’t care to rub elbows with at a bar.

[Alberta's Child]

A client of mine runs a bar with almost the exact same sign at the door.

What's interesting is that the place isn't really upscale at all. In fact, he runs a tavern next door that clearly caters to a more upscale clientele.

The problem is, people like Scantling say the specificity in this list appears to target a certain demographic of people.

He's right. It does. It targets ghetto thugs and wannabe-thugs. Khamil Scantling won't be confused for one of those if he dresses like a civilized human being.

[LostPassword]

Seems like an opportunity for someone to start a 2nd restaurant in Pittsburgh so people have an option where to eat out rather than going hungry and being offended. /sarc

[Alberta's Child]

I’m willing to bet that someone who walks into the place with work boots as the only item of clothing that violates the dress code will not be asked to leave.

[mewzilla]

Al Capone was a dapper dresser.

[mewzilla]

This kinda cr@p is why people drink at home.

[Maverick68]

When I was much, much younger, I DJ'd a weekly "Disco Night" at a downtown club. The clientele was 95% white and the Party went on for almost a year without a single incident. Then one fateful day, the biggest hip-hop club in the area closed and all the young black people decided to come check out Disco Night.

The first night of the, uh, "integration" of the two crowds, a fight broke out and a gun was pulled. In less than two months (after countless incidents caused by the new crowd), the Demographics of the crowd makeup completely flipped and the owner discontinued Disco Night.

Bottom line: As racist as it sounds (and probably is), a young, black crowd is generally trouble.
It pains me to say it, but the rare exceptions don't dispose of the facts.

[cicero2k]

This restaurant better be careful.

The activists will soon target its suppliers, sponsored teams and utilities to get the restaurant cut off.

[maddogtiger]

a good way to prevent smelly patrons, more establishments need to adopt this policy.

[Alberta's Child]

See Post #23. Both of the places I mentioned are packed to the roof on most evenings — especially weekends.

[mewzilla]

I have a better idea for the owner: Get involved with the local police benevolent society. Make it clear LEOs are warmly welcomed in your bar.

That should take care of a lot of his probs.

[HamiltonJay]

The south side is a bar/party area. Usually busy on weekends/Friday nights.

Mostly younger kids.

Clearly this is a no thug or redneck dress code.

Personally I don’t understand how you can “boycott” someplace that clearly has told you they don’t want you there, but hey stupid is as stupid does.

[mewzilla]

Hmmm, okay. That’s one way to do it.

See my #32. :-)

[HamiltonJay]

The south side is a bar/party area. Usually busy on weekends/Friday nights.

Mostly younger kids.

Clearly this is a no thug or redneck dress code.

Personally I don’t understand how you can “boycott” someplace that clearly has told you they don’t want you there, but hey stupid is as stupid does.

[mewzilla]

The capitalist in me cringes when a biz writes off law-abiding, paying customers.

[mewzilla]

BTW, I, too, used to look down my nose at rednecks.

Then I married one.

[NorthMountain]

As racist as it sounds (and probably is),

Who cares?

Truth is truth. Accusations of "racism" are a cheap weapon to obscure the truth.

[VastRWCon]

"Disco Night"

Same thing happened to a place I worked at back in the 80's. Started off as a very nice restaurant/bar/club. After dinner hours, the would remove some tables and have a DJ. Started off 80's rock since 99% of the customer base was white.

Word got around and more and more blacks would start coming in for the music.

They wouldn't tip, demand hip hop songs be played. The owners tried to turn Friday nights into the popular country/western night.

As the story goes whites started not showing up, they place went dark.

[raybbr]

Do you live near this place?