Recently, a popular restobar-club in Mumbai was at the receiving end of sharp criticism online for not allowing gay couples to be a part of their New Year’s Eve party. DNA reported that not only were high-end bars and nightclubs turning gay couples away, but openly stating that they will only accept heterosexual couples.
One of the bars, Shiro, has since reversed its stand and stated that as far as men don’t get drunk and start scraps with the staff, all men will be allowed.
So, what do the bars and nightclubs in Bengaluru think? Are they open to gay couples?
The News Minute called several party hotspots across the town to ask if they will allow gay couples into their New Year’s Eve parties, and if they can buy the couples pass, which heterosexual couples have the luxury of buying.
Some welcomed gay couples with open arms – although not as ‘couples’ but two stags – while there was a strict refusal from others.
The 100ft Boutique Bar and Restaurant in Indiranagar has a special candle-light dinner for couples on New Year’s Eve. When asked if a reservation could be made for a gay couple, the staffer on the call said ‘no’. The special candle-light dinner table for two, is only for heterosexual couples, she said.
On the other hand, The Humming Tree, a popular bar and restaurant in Indiranagar, has redefined couple entry and is also offering couple passes for same sex couples.
"The couple entry passes are also valid for same sex couples. We think that everyone should have a great New Year," said a representative from The Humming Tree.
The Hard Rock Café on MG Road said they have no couple passes and only single-entry ones.
"We have absolutely no problem with gay couples at the party. We have only single-entry passes. It is a public platform, open to anyone who buys passes and we believe in spreading love," said the person who took our call at Hard Rock Cafe.
Vapour Pub in Indiranagar also welcomed gay men, but not as ‘couples’. "We do not have separate passes for same sex couples, but they can buy stag entry passes and enjoy the party. Everyone is invited to chill," said a party organiser for the New Year bash at Vapour.
Taj Vivanta also offers stag entry passes for same sex couples. “The early bird passes now cost Rs 3,500 for stags and the couple passes cost Rs 7,500. So, you would be paying lesser than the couples. Everyone is welcome. We do not discriminate between heterosexual and homosexual people. These are early bird passes and the prices may increase. So, we suggest that you book now and enjoy the party,” said the staffer at Taj Vivanta.
Sheraton Bangalore and Irish House also have the same policy. “Why should there be discrimination? It’s a New Year party. People should be thinking about being merry and not if they should or should not allow same sex couples. Everyone should be out there having fun. Spread the love,” said the party organiser at Easy Bookingz.
Skyye at UB City also said that the couples-pass in only for heterosexual couples, not for gay couples. “They can buy the stag entry pass,” TNM was told.
Dolly Koshy, an IT professional who also identifies herself as lesbian called this tokenism on the part of night clubs and party organisers.
“If a place has couple entry then the couple entry pass must be applicable to lesbian and gay couples as well. In some places, the entry charges for single women is lower than charges for couples and stag men. If they say they have no problem with lesbian women or members of the gay community, why can’t they be considered as a couple?” Dolly questioned.