Local Tenn. Bar Accused of Implementing a 'Horrible and Discriminating' 'No Thug' Dress Code

Dress codes have a way of riling patrons. While many restaurants and bars have rules that include dos and don'ts when it comes to attire, The Bar Louie in Memphis, Tennessee, is capturing some negative press over requirements that some believe are much-too-stringent.

The dress code, according to WMC-TV, forces patrons to wear all of their hats facing forward. It also allows no large chains, no sleeveless shirts for men, no large white t-shirts, no sunglasses, no sweatpants and "no excessively baggy clothing."

Some, like Garrett McQueen, an individual who lives in Memphis, find the policy offensive. He took to Yelp, a website that allows patrons to review various establishments, to air his concerns:

Let me start by saying I do actually like the restaurant, the food, patio, everything. This is the type of place Overton Square needs. However, when I walked in today and saw the "late night dress code" I was mortified. In light of what is still being discussed concerning hoodies and Trayvon Martin, your banning "large white t-shirts" and "gold chains" is some of the most horrible and discriminating practices I've seen in Midtown in my life. I may come back someday, but I'm deeply saddened by the management's decision to post a sign that clearly insinuates a "no 'thug'" regulation.

Screenshot from the Yelp review

McQueen told WMC-TV that he was not looking to give the restaurant bad press by posting the review. Instead, he hoped to start a discussion. Following the Yelp posting, the sign at the restaurant that provided the dress code has reportedly been taken down. "If restaurant or clubs or bars want specific dress codes..do that in a way that doesn't exclude people or put out negative ideas about what I would consider black cultural clothing," McQueen told the outlet. On the original Yelp post, Tony DeSalvo, one of the bar's owners, posted a responseto the patron's concerns. "My name is Tony DeSalvo and I am one of the owners of Bar Louie Memphis," DeSalvo wrote. "I would be more than happy to discuss our dress code policy with you." The owner provided a phone number and an e-mail address. It is unclear if the two connected. What do you think about the dress code? Is McQueen's assessment correct? Take the poll, below:

Do you agree with McQueen's...

(H/T: WMC-TV)

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