A bar in Greater Manchester has ignited a national debate on discrimination and nightlife safety after enforcing a rule that bars solo patrons from entering after 9 p.m. Alibi, a cocktail and karaoke venue near Altrincham Market, posted a sign stating: “No single entry. After 9pm, Alibi does not permit single entry.” The venue says the policy is designed to protect staff and customers, but critics argue it unfairly targets people who socialise alone.
A spokesperson for the bar said individuals meeting friends already inside must be collected at the door, and that the rule aims to prevent situations where lone drinkers become vulnerable or engage in unwanted interactions with groups. The bar also enforces a strict dress code banning sportswear, tracksuits, ripped jeans, Stone Island-branded clothing and what it calls “roadman vibes.”
Owner Defends the Policy as a Safety Measure
In a video posted to Instagram, owner Carl Peters insisted the decision stemmed from repeated incidents involving lone customers in late-night alcohol settings. He argued that managing a safety incident involving a person who has no companions can become “a nightmare” for staff and claimed that some solo patrons approach groups because they “have no one to talk to,” prompting complaints from other guests.
Peters said the venue preferred to “eliminate” such problems rather than handle them case by case, framing the policy as part of broader efforts to keep weekends more controlled as the bar gets busier.
Critics Say Rule Fuels Stigma and Exclusion
The ban has sparked widespread backlash on social media, where users condemned the policy as “anti-single,” “patronising,” and “deeply unfair.” Campaigners say the venue is amplifying harmful stereotypes about people who drink alone.
Nicola Slawson, author of Single: Living a Complete Life on Your Own Terms, said the rule makes single customers feel abnormal and fails to recognise legitimate reasons for going out alone — from parents seeking downtime to older residents who rely on pubs for social interaction. She warned that such policies risk worsening loneliness in a country where social isolation has been flagged by health authorities as a major public concern.
Solo travel writer Sara Scott likewise rejected the bar’s justification, saying the behaviour of a few individuals should not be used to penalise all lone visitors. She argued that groups often cause more disruption than solo drinkers and said she would avoid the venue entirely as a result.
Broader Debate on Nightlife Safety and Customer Screening
The controversy has revived discussions about how bars balance patron safety, staff welfare and inclusivity. Some hospitality industry commentators noted that venues increasingly set strict entry policies amid rising reports of antisocial behaviour and staffing shortages, but warned that poorly communicated or overly broad rules risk alienating potential customers.
Alibi has not indicated whether it will amend the policy, which remains in place for weekend nights. Local residents and advocacy groups say they plan to challenge the decision, calling for clearer guidelines that address safety concerns without excluding people based on their social circumstances.
Source:Africa Publicity
