Brickhouse Tavern’s dress code isn’t new, but recently it’s starting to get more attention.
This past month, the restaurant’s list of “Late Night Dress Code” violations at the Williamsburg location was moved from its previous spot on the third window to a higher spot on the front door, said Tyler Barg, one of the co-owners.
Barg said once the list was moved up, people started noticing it more and the business started getting complaints or concerned responses.
“We have had some questions raised about these standards and, like any host concerned about the experience of their guests, we are re-evaluating our policies,” Barg added in a Facebook message.
Barg said it’s because the list of restrictions was misconstrued as something potentially discriminatory –he said that was never the intent.
The dress code, which is only in effect on Fridays and Saturdays after 10 p.m., currently prohibits guests from wearing:
- Knit hats and beanies
- Do-rags or headbands
- Excessive baggy clothing
- Sagging pants
- Sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- Gym clothing, such as sweatpants and jerseys
- Sunglasses
- Hoods on hoodies while in the building
The dress code was originally created after suggestions from the business’ ABC agents and managers, Barg said.
Barg said most of those restrictions are for security and safety purposes and only enforced if the violation is excessive. For example, Barg said excessive baggy clothing wasn’t allowed because in the past people would sneak items into the business in their clothing.
The dress code is also only applicable for two nights of the week to reflect the business’ busiest times.
Barg said during the week it is easier for security to keep track of the guests but when the place is busy, it’s harder to monitor activity so keeping a dress code helps.
Additionally, Barg said the dress code is really only for extreme cases and that it’s very rare anyone gets turned away because of their attire. He said the past week he has called to check-in at the Williamsburg location and hasn’t heard any reports of guests being turned away.
The dress code has been in effect for more than three years, but with more people seeing it recently there have been concerns about whether it was racially motivated, Barg said.
In a few public community Facebook pages, users raised the issue and Barg said there was at least one person that contacted the business and insisted the dress code was racist.
“I’ve looked over the dress code and I don’t see it as racist,” Barg said. “But from talking to my lawyer, people read things and think it pertains to a certain group of people.”
With those concerns raised, Barg said the business is taking another look at the dress code and having their attorney make a revision.
Barg added that it was never their intention to make any guest feel unwelcome and the concerns over the dress code are being taken seriously.
It’s currently being revised and Barg said he hopes to have a new one posted by Monday.
“Some people think it’s racist and I’m here to make sure everyone is happy,” he said. “If the dress code does not appease, we will have it revised.”
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