The landlady and custodian of The Black Dog and The Tin Cat has released a statement to racists living in or visiting Weymouth.
As an employer, as a human being and as a parent, I am absolutely disgusted that some people now seem to think it is acceptable to be openly racist.
It isn’t.
If that is how you choose to think, that is on you. But do not bring those views into my venues.
I have multicultural friends and family. I have a diverse team and customers from all walks of life, backgrounds, nationalities and heritage — and I am proud of that.
Nobody should ever have to come to work, go out for a drink, enjoy a meal or spend time with friends and be subjected to racist comments, “jokes”, insults, intimidation or abuse.
So there is no misunderstanding:
If you are racist, stay out of my venues.
I do not want your money.
I do not want your custom.
I do not want your hate.
And I do not want your views directed at my staff, my customers, or anyone else who walks through our doors.
Being a paying customer does not give you the right to disrespect another human being.
My staff are not there to tolerate your racism because you bought a pint — and neither are my customers, it’s a very sad day when it becomes necessary to say this.
If you cannot treat people with basic dignity and respect, you are not welcome through my doors.
Racism is not an “opinion” that anybody in my venues has to tolerate.
I will stand behind my staff.
I will stand behind my customers.
And I will always stand against racism.
No exceptions.
Lyn Mackenzie
