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Apr 14, 11, 11:43 am
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/14/gay-claim-ejected-pub-kissing
The pair say that objections were first raised to their displays of affection shortly after they arrived at 8.30pm by a fellow drinker claiming to be the landlord, who was off duty. They refused what they described as his "polite request" to stop kissing. Williams, 26, and Bull, 23, insist they were not indulging in a "huge display of affection", but were merely kissing on the lips.
[One of the complainants] said the first man, who identified himself as the landlord, asked them to stop kissing "because it was bothering him". The couple refused and were left alone until about 10.45pm, when a woman who said she was the landlady intervened.
Bull said he was putting on his coat to leave and had given Williams "a peck on the lips" when the woman, who was wearing a staff uniform, came up to them.
"She said we had to leave because we were being obscene. Then the other guy from earlier came over again and said we had to leave now, we 'weren't allowed to do that'."
Both Bull and Williams said the man took hold of Williams's coat lapels as he asked them to leave the pub. Bull called the police when he arrived home, who came and took a statement. Bar staff have the right to eject drinkers, but they must abide by equality legislation.
I must say, I am shocked. I have been living in London for over a decade and I never would have expected to see these accusations - ever.
The pair say that objections were first raised to their displays of affection shortly after they arrived at 8.30pm by a fellow drinker claiming to be the landlord, who was off duty. They refused what they described as his "polite request" to stop kissing. Williams, 26, and Bull, 23, insist they were not indulging in a "huge display of affection", but were merely kissing on the lips.
[One of the complainants] said the first man, who identified himself as the landlord, asked them to stop kissing "because it was bothering him". The couple refused and were left alone until about 10.45pm, when a woman who said she was the landlady intervened.
Bull said he was putting on his coat to leave and had given Williams "a peck on the lips" when the woman, who was wearing a staff uniform, came up to them.
"She said we had to leave because we were being obscene. Then the other guy from earlier came over again and said we had to leave now, we 'weren't allowed to do that'."
Both Bull and Williams said the man took hold of Williams's coat lapels as he asked them to leave the pub. Bull called the police when he arrived home, who came and took a statement. Bar staff have the right to eject drinkers, but they must abide by equality legislation.
I must say, I am shocked. I have been living in London for over a decade and I never would have expected to see these accusations - ever.