Guys and Dolls owner denies accusations of homophobia

The owner of a Douglas nightclub has denied accusations of homophobia over its policy on public displays of affection (PDA).

Guys and Dolls said staff may intervene with those engaging in overt sexual behaviour, claiming such conduct was ‘aimed directly to disrupt straight clientele'.

It sparked hundreds of comments online, with Facebook users branding the bar ‘backwards’, ‘oppressive’ and ‘hostile’ to the LGBTQ+ community.

Owner Richard Wernham insists the policy is applied to everyone and doesn’t discriminate.

“I would say an affectionate kiss, a bit of a cuddle, that’s fine. We turn a blind eye to it”, Mr Wernham said.

“Where it starts to be people are actually into each other’s faces, and hands down pants and stuff like that, we tell them to ‘knock it off’.”

Homosexuality was a criminal offence in the Isle of Man until it was legalised in 1992.

However, Kara Varetto from Isle of Pride says the Facebook posts prove discrimination is still very prevalent in Manx society.

They said: “I am disappointed to see a local bar persisting with the suggestion that seeing same-sex couples kissing in public is offensive to heterosexual clientèle.

“All venues should focus on stamping out discrimination in all its forms, and Isle of Pride are working on an awareness and training programme to support venues that we hope will be available towards the end of this year."

Despite the public backlash on social media, Mr Wernham stands by the policy.

He continued: “This applies as a blanket thing to everybody. It’s not in any way homophobic or anti-gay or anything like that."

“None of [the staff] are bothered about whether it’s two girls, two guys, a guy and a girl – it makes no difference.

“It’s when it goes too far. That’s when we have the policy that basically says: ‘knock it off guys, go get a room’.”

Guys and Dolls owner Richard Wernham spoke to Local Democracy Reporter Chris Cave: