Living Bar: Racist

[bang]

don't know who it went to or anything as it was forwarded a few times before reaching me but it is an (ahem) interesting read...

The return of Segregation?
My name is Richard Waterhouse. I am a writer, poet, artist,
photographer, musician and DJ.
And when I feel something, I have to tell it. And I don't hold back!
As a black Brixtonian who has experienced racism in all forms here in the U.K. and overseas in the U.S.A., (where I grew up). I find it incredible to believe that there are establishments in the heart of Brixton (a predominantly black population) that are practising racism. I particularly make direct reference to the LIVING Bar, located in Coldharbour Lane.

From my personal experience I was a DJ there, playing R&B alongside my friend Crispin J. Glover, who is white. We established a weekly clubnight, our inspirations were promotions such as Simply Boogie, a hugely successful Sunday night party held at the Bug Bar in Brixton. A venue where it is
obvious the management is a lot more sensible and realistic in their understanding of the community.

Over the past year we endeavoured to achieve the same atmosphere. An inter-racial mix of people from the local community and beyond, and we had our successes. We attempted to set an example of racial unity, myself
being black and Crispin being white, DJing together. The result of our efforts lead to an eclectic mix of music and people from all nationalities. It was all about the music, and never was there any trouble or violence related to race.

However, it appears the management at LIVING (Mr. Laurence Merritt) does not hold the same view. Our success was his success, and should have been noted as such. It seems our success may have been a catalyst. The night was moved
from Tuesdays to Wednesdays at short notice. Actually no notice.

A direct interpretation of his fear, which is obviously of black people. On occasion I had been asked about certain black people, friends, lawyers even relatives who had entered the bar. Regular followers of the night, customers, patrons of his establishment!

Slowly but surely we began again to re-build. After awhile people began to return, black and white alike. Uninformed and unaware. After establishing ourselves again, overcoming the demoralisation by management, following comments relayed to me from Laurence, I had to withdraw from associating myself with the venue. e.g. 'Not the right sort of people'. 'The music attracts the wrong crowd'. Stevie Wonder? Michael Jackson? R&B? o.k.

To top it off, he did not even have the courage to say these things to my face! (another example of fear and ignorance.) I had also noticed a depletion of black people at the venue, directly due to the door policy to not let black people in, or to discourage entry to the bar. Obviously this is working for him, but not acceptable by any standard for Brixton. Not positive.

Unity with all races was the success of the night.
It appears they have a whites only preference, where black men are scrutinised on entry and generally made to feel unwelcome. Noticeably blacks and other ethnicity's employed by this establishment are ashtray cleaners, glass collectors and generally employed for menial work.

I have personally witnessed the 'imperialist' attitude of this management with disgust. My question to the black community is, why is this blatant affront and disrespect allowed to propagate itself within our community? We are becoming displaced within our own community. Young black people wishing to just
enjoy themselves, not looking for trouble or involving themselves with drugs are being subjected to this subtle racism. Eventually this situation will come to a head. Someone will challenge this behaviour and it won't be in writing as I am attempting.

My question to Lambeth Borough Council is, why are other known
establishments in the community not licensed on an even par with theses places? Is this the return of segregation? Or is this a colonisation of our community, where this attitude is allowed to breed on the strength of the pound?

No amount of money can justify these policies. Black money spends just the same as white money.
We all know there is no room for racism anywhere, especially in Brixton which is so racially intermixed. Establishments such as LIVING need to address their fears and insecurities with regard to black people and get with the Brixton program, which is living together without stereotyping and bigotry. I am not alone with these views. Black, White, Hispanic, all races of people live here. Why create a divide? If places run by black businessmen
and women cannot progress, what is going to happen? The situation is outrageous.

Brixton has enough problems to address, but its not only street crime, drugs, or homelessness. This is a definite problem, which will eventually erupt, and when it does I don't want to be in the vicinity. My attempt is to inform, impart and make people aware of the danger associated with this sneaky, underhanded racism.
For it to be rearing it's ugly head in this community under our noses is unthinkable, raising public awareness is necessary as we all pay taxes and have the right to vote.

This is our community and that is the highest consideration that should be acknowledged by these establishments. If the community functions in general harmony, why create discord? Why create a division in an area where you are the minority? Apartheid, segregation and all other attempts to separate
race have all failed miserably. History has already proven this. Imperialist and colonial attitudes always end in war. In Brixton there is no 'right sort of person', just Brixtonians. If you don't want black people in your clubs, don't have clubs in Brixton. Brixton is black before anything else and tolerance levels are running low.

My message to Lambeth is pay attention. The black voters whom you represent are the same people being affected by this outrage, and we are not muggers, murderers or drug-dealers. We are professionals, who live in this community and endeavour to give service to the community. There is a proportionate deficit in provision for the black community and we want to know what is going to be done to balance this situation.

Finally my message to all Brixtonians is BOYCOTT. Don't give them your money. Don't support them. Be aware, step back and take a look around you because you're missing something. Don't be fooled by fake smiles. You will see the truth for yourselves.

Richard Waterhouse.

[moon]

Reading that has made me very very angry and upset :mad: :(

Is boycotting the establishment enough? Surely we can do more in terms of direct action to stop this form of blatant racism existing within the centre of one of London's most multi-cultural boroughs.

I would dearly love to see the owners license revoked, but feel that it would take more substantiated allegations than those outlined above before that could happen.

Why couldn't Donald Macintyre have made an undercover programme about these issues!!??? :mad:

[Anna Key]

It's actually worse than the initial post suggests.

Living Bar received planning permission from Lambeth Council about 3 weeks ago to extend the premises, in flagrant breach of the Council's own nightclub zoning polices, and despite strong local opposition.

The bar is right next door to numerous flats - Chaplin House, the block above Satay Bar, Hereford House, Rosslyn House - and opens til 4 am.

The Living Bar owner has also got hold of the lease to the old Brixton Cycles shop two doors down Coldharbour Lane (No 435).

He plans a stacked 3 bar, 600 customer nightclub complex there. The top bar will be for 'A guest list people.' This goes before Planning Committee in June.

He also has an interest in Dogstar, Mass, Z Bar and Redstar (Camberwell) plus a bar called PLAY in Clerkenwell. Maybe others too.

I believe that Lambeth New Labour held their 1997 victory celebration at Dogstar.

There was a long thread on this on U75 about three months ago. Should be in the archive.

So the problem is wide and deep. Lots of money involved. Lots of politics.

NB I've done a quick google on Richard Waterhouse. He seems to exist.

[sonicdancer]

Theres always two sides to a story, maybe Mr. Laurence Merritt would like to comment ??

[moon]

Anna, is this the thread you mean?

http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=380&highlight=living+room

Sonic, I would love to hear what Mr. Laurence Merritt has to say on the subject, is he known to read these boards?

[sunshine]

Yes, I agree with Sonicdancer. It would be good to hear his side of the story. Didn't he post here some time ago?

However, I cannot believe that they are taking over the old Brixton Cycle shop. It's getting pathetic, sad and boring. Can't we have something a bit different?!

S

[Anna Key]

However, I cannot believe that they are taking over the old Brixton Cycle shop. It's getting pathetic, sad and boring. Can't we have something a bit different?!

Assume your disbelief is rhetorical... but anyone can check the change of use application and the plans at the Planning Office on Acre Lane (next to the UNISON office). I warn you, it doesn't make pleasant reading.

For example, Brixton is being offered a 'unique cultural experience' and "an exciting ICA-type venture.' Take a sick bag.

"Can't we have something a bit different?!"

Exactly. Only one McDonalds would be allowed in Brixton - thank God - but we have multiple dogstars, and more to come.

Presumably, this is what Nelson Mandella was celebrating when he came here.

[corporate whore]

Agree Merritt should be allowed a comeback on this thread, as at the moment he's being accused of racism becuase he moved a an RnB night from Tuesday to Wednesday. I know there've been rumblings of prejudice on the door before, but this seems to be dubious ground.

On a lighter note, if Living (that droplet of Clapham Junction in Brixton's mashed up ocean) is allowed to extend to become an 'ICA-type' place, I can't wait to see 'A' list celebs running the mixed herb gauntlet on Coldharbour Lane...

Perhaps the fact that Labour no longer has any power in Lambeth could be a catalyst for change - the same old back scratchings, nods & winks could be a thing of the past? Obviously, they'd be replaced by new ones, as that's how it goes, but maybe Merritt's empire will be out of favour?

[christonabike]

Hi all

On this subject, I always said we had a "an exciting ICA-type venture" and it was called Cooltan

This just sounds like a load of bars, so why tart it up as a "unique cultural experience"

I'm sure they ain't gonna be opening up the space for art

In fact, it sounds more like the now defunct Home club in Leicester Square

Laters

[William of Walworth]

Do you honestly think the Lib Dems will be any different, corporate? (to be continued in the Lambeth No Overall Control thread perhaps). Surely these business interests have enough influence to lean on them as well, and the LDs in other boroughs have no especially clean track record. They just play on the their holier than thou/cleaner than clean image, which apart from Simon Hughes MP, has little justification. At counsellor level they can play dirty tricks and corruption with the worst, in inner city areas anyway. Look at Islington.

I disagree with you (as a non local though) about this Living Room story not being so much to worry about. In fact I'm amazed you seem so unconcerned.

Mike, could you invite Lawrence to reply?

He has the opportunity to inform (or correct the widespread impression held by?) a lot of Brixtonites who tread** these boards both about door policy and on the plans for Brixton Cycles, and the suggestion that planning (and licensing?) regs are being breached.

**"tread" was a typo but it looks quite apt so I'll leave it! :)

[corporate whore]

William - I don't trust the Lib Dems to conduct themselves any differently than Labour in Lambeth but I am suggesting perhaps they won't feel they owe anyone any favours, or at least perhaps not the same people Labour did. And they may feel more of a need to get local residents onside re: licensing laws.

Forgive me for being an optimist.

[dr256]

The night in question was the only time I ever go to the Living Roon for exactly that mix of like minded funk loving people. I went about seven times.

It's completely true that the Living Room and the Dog Star have a door policy regarding too many blacks. Just ask the bouncers.
What's most dissapointing is that it's black security people that are enforcing it on behalf of white property owners.

Who said that slavery was over?

[moon]

dr256

'It's completely true that the Living Room and the Dog Star have a door policy regarding too many blacks. Just ask the bouncers.'

I thought these establishments were in Brixton, London, not 1980's Johannesburg

[Bond]

I've been to both Living Room and DogStar quite a lot of times and you hardly see any afro-carribean people in there.

From what I've heard from the Brixton Urbanites about the guy who runs these places is not good as I had never myself had any previous trouble whatsoever.

After what some of the Urbanites and this thread have said however I doubt I'll be going back to those places as often as I used to.

[Mrs Magpie]

The blatant prejudice in Living isn't confined to black people...gays and lesbians aren't allowed in either........it's "couples only" ie white heterosexual couples.

[Allan]

I long ago decided never to go in either of these places again for precisely these reasons.

[isvicthere?]

All the foregoing is very disturbing, if unsurprising. However, I have long since been boycotting the Living Room (or whatever it's called) for a different reason.

It's shit.

[drfranni]

Originally posted by isvicthere?
However, I have long since been boycotting the Living Room (or whatever it's called) for a different reason.
It's shit.

Spooky isn't it? Like you, I went in once, found it nasty in a non-specific way I couldn't quite put my finger on (it was lunchtime so no bouncers etc) and never went again. It's shit and, when it becomes three times the size, will be a huge steaming pile.

[Mr Retro]

I never liked Living but I used to go to the Dogstar a lot after the pubs closed on saturday nights.

I feel kind of wierd about this one. Not angry as I normally would expect but kind of resigned and hopeless.

Mr Merritt should comment here and explain his door policies - if he doesn't then he is another money grabbing faceless coward.

[bang]

I went to the Dogstar for the first time in about 3 years last year and was really surprised at how the types of people in there had changed, reminded me more of a Slug & Lettuce crowd...
...has it had new management?
they still get some good musical acts in there though

[Bond]

I find it fucking outrageous that those 2 places can get away such blatant racism!! :mad:

Have also informed most of my friends and we've agreed to steer clear of both bars.

[moon]

I think someone from U75 ought to investigate these allegations.

Does anyone have a secret camera that they can lend me. ;)

[Mrs Magpie]

Just a dictaphone would probably do.....you will have no problem getting in there weekday lunchtimes and quiet times. They do let some black females in.....it's single black males that have the real difficulty, black couples or groups of black people, gays and lesbians. Black people in a predominantly white group will probably get in. I know plenty of people that have been refused entry.....A problem with a local boycott (most locals do boycott it) is that the clientele are not from Brixton........

[bang]

sounds like a job for Donal MacIntyre :D
reckon he can handle it??!?

[RubyToogood]

I know you were joking but I think you should do it! Except we'll all have to delete our posts about this, and it'll probably be too late because someone will have tipped them off...

[detective-boy]

Originally posted by Bond
I find it fucking outrageous that those 2 places can get away such blatant racism!! :mad:

This sort of "background" racism is a real problem. It's not a sort of police type problem like overt / in your face / on the street stuff but it provides the foundation for that.

I think the CRE have some powers in this area (Health warning - Detective-Boy getting out of his depth!) but it surely represents the most common form of racism about - the pub landlord, the letting agency, the job vacancy .... Can't say I've ever seen a report of any proceedings, criminal or civil, though.

Something must be done about it (my God, I sound like the Daily Mail - Nurse, Nurse, quick ...) because it is all pervasive and whilst it is not headline grabbing stuff like petrol bombed corner shops or black suspects batoned by the Old Bill it MUST be far more common. (Pay attention to the shite the waiters put up with next time you're in an Indian Restaurant)

I'd put money on the fact that an Asian Mr McIntyre wouldn't have to wander around Burnley / Oldham / Leeds / A Stan Boardman gig /... for three days before getting abused / discriminated against. (mind you, bearing in mind some of the things I have put money on, that's not such a selling point!!)

[Mrs Magpie]

Thankfully the stuff that happens in Living is not the norm.....The funny thing is, at around the time I started calling Living Room 'Lebensraum' they suddenly dropped the 'Room' bit from their name.......I thought it was connected in some bizarre way......well, OK nearly everone in Coldharbour Lane knew I called it Lebensraum* but it turned out they hadn't checked the name wasn't already in use and another bar in London that got the name first, threatened legal action.....


*Lebensraum is the German for Living Room, or Living Space and was the name of a Nazi policy of dispossessing Poles and putting Nazis and their families in residence...basically taking over and exploiting whole areas in a feudal, corrupt and morally bankrupt manner.

Lebensraum is now a contaminated word in German because of its Nazi associations.

[hatboy]

I'd really recommend everybody who feels strongly about this to read the thread mentioned in Happy Happy Jo Wonderland's post above (link). Just see how long this has been an all too quiet scandal in Brixton.

Quite often recently there's been talk in the news about Brixton uniting. As if that's some sort of surprise. I believe Brixton is, mostly, a pretty united place already. Especially when it comes to something important, witness the whole Paddick affair.

The widely acknowledged racism of Lawrence Merrit is a very important thing. This man cares nothing for this area other than to make money from it, yet the council appear to look favourably on his planning and licencing. He treats both his staff and customers with contempt and black people get chucked out as fast as they can get in there!

How dare he attempt to drive a wedge between people in Brixton. I hate to say it, but this could build into a very resentful situation, even a (that word) riot. No-one really wants that! We'd be left with two beautiful pubs in Coldharbour Lane burnt out and all the clearing up to do, while Mr Merrit scoops the insurance money.

So what can be done about this? You could all contact newspapers like the Voice, Nation and the South London press for a start.

[isvicthere?]

Mrs. Magpie - ein Reich, ein Volk, ein Stylebar!

[isvicthere?]

Seriously, though, folks.........

I'd heard talk about this for quite some time, and was willing to attribute it to idle gossip against an unpopular businessman.

The foregoing, however, has made me think again. It STINKS! Would all the "cool" nu-Brixtonians feel as smug as they always look when I walk past if they new of the murky shame which taints their poncey watering hole? I'm with Hatboy - it should be broadcast far and wide.

[William of Walworth]

I share all the other peoples' outrage! I never went in for no other real reason than I don't like "stylish bars" (give me untrendy PUBS any time) but it would appear there are very very good and principled reasons for avoiding it.

I agree with hatboy. Noise this (seemingly) noisesome character's conduct far and wide ... or perhaps he might care to respond here? He has done before.

[LDR]

My wife and some of her other girlfriends frequent the Living Room from time to time. They like "stylish bars" and having girly cocktail nights, etc. Not my idea of a good night out, but different strokes for different folks.

Until Hatboy mentioned it to her, she would have had no idea about the discriminating polices that are employed there.

Herein lies the problem, I suspect most patrons of the establishment are unaware of the discrimination that goes on and I think awareness needs to be raised, but short of writing letters to papers I'm not sure of the best way to do this.

My wife would never have gone there if she had known about the discrimination before hand.

[editor]

One word of caution: several of these posts could be drifting into the area of defamation: please be careful what you post!

I'm also a little uncomfortable with this all being one-way traffic: if I see Lawrence I will inform him of this thread and give him the opportunity to defend himself, but if anyone's going to the place, please mention this thread!

Equitably yours...

[sunshine]

sorry to disagree, but Lebensraum is still used commonly in Germany and has no association with Nazi Germany. It never once crossed my mind that I could not use this word in any phrase whatsoever nor do any of my friends. Maybe its just a bit of media hype. Personally I use this word a lot for interior design and creating new images for furniture companies.

S

[Caspar Hauser]

Sorry sunshine

but I have to agree with Mrs. M.

The word 'Lebensraum' is still used but only as the German expression for biosphere (eg nature, animals,...).

Regarding interior design and furniture the appropiate words would be 'Wohnraum' or 'Wohnzimmer'. :)

[sunshine]

If I have the time I forward you the leaflets we did for a few Italian furniture companies. We did them for the Moebelmesse in Koeln. The reason why they wanted it, is to give it a new twist.

Anyway, would you agree that we (I am also German mothertongue) use the word Wohnraum quiet commonly without thinking about Nazi Germany?

Schoenes Wochenende CH;)

S

[Caspar Hauser]

Sunshine, why shouldn't we use Wohnraum and why, when we do it, should we think about the Nazis? :confused: It's an entirely different term.

But I think we are destroying a very good and important thread, so if we discuss the semantics of words any further we should maybe start a new one. :)

[Anna Key]

if I see Lawrence I will inform him of this thread and give him the opportunity to defend himself,

Good. Until he does here's some more grist.

Living Bar keeps building things without planning permission!

Examples:-

Tasteful drinking deck on Coldharbour Lane
Ubercool projected advertising signage and associated equipment
Full length window on Electric Lane
Air conditioning plant on the roof

The Council have warned Mr Merrett several times, in writing, to apply for retrospective planning consent or to remove the items. Nothing happens.

Mr Merrett is highly fortunate not to have had enforcement action taken against him by the council. Lambeth has wide legal powers in this area. They've an expensive legal department (paid for by us) to enforce these powers. They've failed to move against him, despite very clear breaches and repeated written warnings from their own planners.

This is much less serious than the discrimination charge, but is still an issue and is easily proven. Anyone can look in the planning file. There's also stuff in pdf files on the Council web site - see reports to 23/4/02 planning committee meeting.

IMO this is a clear, public record, proven, long-standing example of Mr Merrett's contempt for the local community.

Planning law gives people just a tiny bit of control over their local environment. Living Bar, by subverting the planning rules, denies the community that control. I don't want to go over the top here, but it's actually a small attack on local democracy itself.

It's also taking advantage of the fact that the areas is poor. Imagine Mr Merrett trying this sort of behaviour in a rich district - say Kensington or Westminster - he'd have a highly organised, highly litigious residents' group after him quick as a flash. He'd be out in six months. If he didn't shut up at night he'd have his sound equipment confiscated and his liquor license removed.

So not only is he ripping money out of Brixton and giving nothing back, disrespecting the local community and subverting local democracy, he's taking advantage of the area's poverty in order to line his pocket.

And then there's the discrimination charge.

[William of Walworth]

Ran that one past your lawyer, did you, Anna? ;)

[hatboy]

I've been telling people about Mr Merrit for five years. Don't under-estimate the strength of feeling on this Mike, nor the justification for this feeling. What is the point of asking for Merrit's response on this? His attitude will be as it was on the other linked thread of many months ago. I've hoped he would mellow and change. He clearly has not.

ENOUGH!!


Richard Waterhouse - I want to hear from you. Please get in touch. Anyone know this man?

Anna Key - and other locals with experience of this outrage, please get in touch also.

I have had enough of the discord, and frankly, pain that Mr Merrit is causing in this community. We need to speak up.

I am not exaggerating about Mr Merrit Mike. Don't think that for a moment. The proof is all around you.

[Mr Retro]

How about an open letter in the Press simply asking for:

a) His door policy.
b) His reason for not seeking planning permission for alterations to the building.

[hatboy]

He will state, as before, that his door policy is not racist.

I value more the comments I hear almost weekly from black friends and aquaintances who have been offended by him/his establishments.

Get out of Brixton Laurence. We don't fucking want you here. Just piss off.

[IntoStella]

AMEN TO THAT

[William of Walworth]

!!!!!!!

[Streathamite]

IF Merrett is guilty as charged, and IF the racism accusation can be made to stick (never mind the fact that his joint is a soulless,over-hyped, crass airport lounge of a bar-if that was a crime, Islington would have gone bust years ago), then we need 3 things:
1) leafletting (leaflet checked by m'learned friends, natch)
2) picketting (also subject to legal advice)
3) full gory details on that brixton local website, Mike, HB, you know what its called

[christonabike]

That's three things...........now you've changed it I feel stoopid, Hatboy, check yerPM's

[LDR]

Mike - Taken into account what has been said on this thread would it be worth considering an update to the blurb under Brixton Bar Listings?

the Living Room comes as close to a New York bar as Brixton can get.

[hatboy]

Yes that's right Mike. I really don't think you can continue to be equivocal about this place. How many times do you need to hear of Mr Merrit's hateful attitudes?

[RubyToogood]

No offence, like, but without more actual evidence of racism it just sounds like a lynch mob.

<suddenly realises the irony in her choice of words>

[pinkmonkey]

used to be a memeber of a glam house affair called Pushca.

They started doing monthly parties at the Ministry of Sound. My mate came over from Taiwan, having heard a lot about the Ministry of Sound he was really keen to go. So I bought some Pushca tickets and off we went..

There were eight of us in the group, seven white and one Taiwanese. They refused him entry, gave us all sorts of bullshit about what he was wearing. He looked the same as the rest of us though! The door pickers were the same couple I've been acquainted with for years, been to loads of their parties.

Anyway, in the end, none of us went in. Got a refund and wrote them a nasty letter. I sent my membership card back in disgust.

Sad to think that this sort of thing still goes on ......

:confused:

[Choc]

it is true that in the living room and dogstar and redstar are very few black people.

surely one of the reasons by the management would be to try to cut out on drug dealing (coldharbourlane blahblah) although it isn't actually very difficult to recognise people who use hard drugs from people who don't, regardless of skincolour. so really this excuse doesn't count!

but then again the living room in particular attracts mainly boring/mainstream people that i think that even a bunch of colourful artist would have a hard time to be allowed in.

what a pitty that the owner of the dogstar and living room (i believe they are the same people already) did (eventually) get permission for the premises of old brixton cycles. how sad, as if there are no other individuals who could run a bar/club and bring us something new.

apparently the living room, dogstar and that new bar in atlantic road are full of coke-heads at management level. in a way these individuals shouldn't be allowed to their own parties/premises. but of course this is acceptable only a little bit of coke... and an extra big line for the new brixton cycles deal yeahhhh!!!!!

[Anna Key]

To back-up what I posted earlier about Living Bar planning law violations:-

Extract from report to 23/4/02 Lambeth Council Planning Committee meeting:

"You are advised that the front decking, air conditioning units, sign light projectors, spotlights and full length window fronting Electric Lane are unauthorsied and require planning permission. These should be removed and the premises reinstated to its original condition, or a planning application submitted to regularise these alterations, within one month from the date of
this decision. Failure to do so will result in enforcement action to secure the removal of these alterations."


Extract from minutes of 23/4/02 Lambeth Council Planning Committee meeting:

"RESOLVED: That the application be approved subject to the
conditions set out in the report."

These two documents can be found as pdfs on the Lambeth Council website.

The formal position, therefore, is that Lambeth Council has now given Mr Merrett until 23/5/02 to obey planning rules or face enforcement action.

The planning enforcement officer is Mr Paul Wilford. He's based at the Acre Lane planning office. I'll try and find an email address for him.

[editor]

Re: my review of the Living (Room). The Brixton guide is there to help and inform people going out for a night.

It would be absolutely hypocritical of me to start telling people never to set foot in the place when I've enjoyed (mid week) evenings there quite recently - as have many others who post here, if I'm not mistaken.

But that's not to say that alleged racist behaviour by the club should be overlooked: I will make sure that any reported incidents of racism are made *very* public on this site.

I would suggest that a well-researched, factual piece including first hand attributed testimony would be the way to forward these accusations and I would be delighted to link to such a feature from the Living Room review.

Naturally, there would be a forum thread offering a right to reply and giving others the opportunity to add their own experiences.

As Ruby has pointed out, an endless stream of unsubstantiated accusations here will most probably come over as a load of personal axe-grinding and might possibly leave posters open to the possibility of legal action.

Now, who wants to write that article?!

[han]

Yes, the Living Room does not reflect the diversity of the local community at all.

A very nice bloke I know (who shall remain nameless) dj-ed there every week for two years and recently got 'replaced' by someone else, and was given no reason or warning. He brought in the crowds and it was a popular night. (Not most people here's cuppa tea, like, but he celebrated the naffness of it goodheartedly;) )......

It seems like, as well as the lack of consideration for the local community (awful decking, no planning permission etc.), and these allegations of racism, that he also treats his staff like disposable cogs in his money-making machine. Once he THINKS they're looking slightly worn (even if they're REALLY popular, like Bang's night obviously was), he'll dump 'em. Just like that.

[I've just edited this, as I have changed my mind about a few things.]

[han]

<oops, simultaneous posting alert!>

A feature on this site about the Living Room?
Oooh, interesting. Interesting!

[septic tank]

Who wants to go on the record, name and everything, about specific racist incedents they've experienced or witnessed there? Given a few names, I'd be happy to write it up. Might make a nice article for one of the local papers, no?

[IntoStella]

Unfortunately it's not just a matter of who writes the piece but who publishes it. I think any paper would see it as too much of a legal hot potato.
And I have to agree with Mike that there is absolutely no point in getting u75 sued.
While it might, theoretically, make a great court case, the legal costs would be completely prohibitive. A u75 fighting fund and a whip-round in the Albert just couldn't cut it.
The libel laws may have changed over the years but in cases like this (and it would turn into a very complex case), it is usually the person with the most high powered lawyers who wins, not the person who is 'right'.
However, it is certainly true to say that Laurence Merrett has flagrantly breached planning laws on several occasions and it is fair comment that his bars have had a detrimental effect on the area. I think it is also fair comment that he does not give a damn about the local community and that he is taking the piss.

[detective-boy]

Originally posted by gea
although it isn't actually very difficult to recognise people who use hard drugs from people who don't

Can I have 27,000 places on the course please, for my collegaues and I?

Or did you miss out the word "some"?

Couldn't agree more with your comments about executive-level coke use though - and the lawyers, TV people, advertising execs, accountants, City types ...

Perhaps we should forget about white-collar crime and start having a bit of a go at white nostril crime!

[John Wisehammer]

[edited]

Rhubarb, custard and celery. Nothing to see here. :)

[Dangerous]

Whoah, just a minute!

This seems like a wild rant about a quite unsubstantiated incident which has sparked off a whole host of accusations.

Originally posted by editor

As Ruby has pointed out, an endless stream of unsubstantiated accusations here will most probably come over as a load of personal axe-grinding [/B]

Well said, Ruby and Ed. I am not surprised that Larry has not replied to this thread. He made quite a good case for the last attack, alot of which became personally directed at him. Judging from most of the comments here, save possibly claims from Anna & Richard, there are alot of people with axes to grind, or that have simply jumped at the chance to have moan and that see this as another excuse to have a pop at someone/something (is this what is known as rubber-necking?!)


Lets have a look at some basic facts:

Race issues & Living

-Lawrence himself is mixed race, I think
-the manager of the bar is from Indonesia
-the barstaff are a pretty mixed bunch too
-security on the door / ash tray collectors are both black, white etc
-it may have a predominantly white clientele, but on most nights that i have been there (quite a few) there has been a rough split of white/other 60/40
-none of my friends (black, white, yellow blah blah) have ever encountered any form of harrassment, save pissed up twats on the dance floor on the pull (although i realise that this does not discount that others may have encountered racism there - this is my own testimony)
-what sparked off this thread? possibly someone with his own personal axe. music policy is directed by demand or by other forces. club nights do change (even successful ones!)

Racism in general
Race is an issue in Brixton! There are many places that are predominatly black. I left the place about 3 years ago and was glad to go because there is alot of segregation between communities -much more than in other parts of London.

It is good to raise this type of debate, but surely it can be raised in a more sensitive way? How easy it is to jump on the bandwagon. How hard it is to turn back the clocks once racial hatred is ignited. The type of comments on this forum, and possibly some actions planned through it can fuel more tension. Allegations should of course be fully investigated, but is there not enough tension in Brixton already, without the need to incite more?

The wider context - the society in which we live

Other allegations have been thrown into the mix which bring up questions from a much, much wider debate. Many U75 members come from an anti-globalisation anti-capitalist leaning, could these issues therefore, not be addressed properly in that context? On the decking and the window complaints, i personally do not see these as a problem, but then i dont live on coldharbour. I can understand that some residents may, however, have a prorblem with them. But aren't the Macdonalds, Tescos and KFCs of this world not far more offensive/socially & environmentally damaging?

Although we live in a democracy, it is a rat democracy. How many of you voted in the last election? Probably quite a few on this board! But society in general doesn't give a toss. Why waste time thinking about who to vote for, when labour/cons/libs will get in anyway? Most people therefore either don't think about candidates' actual policies or don't vote altogether, but get on with watching 'who wants to be a millionaire' or with 'blib=nd date'. This is called free-riding (free-loading?) and sadly is the basis of our society. As long as society doesn't give a shit (big) business buys policies to suit their interests. Whilst I am not justifying bribes, corruption blah blah it is a fact of the society we live in, and is part of our so-called democracy.

I am new to U75, but there is clearly alot of acrimony towards Lawrence and his bars. Is this because of his success and any perceived effects this has had on the gentrification of Brixton? There is much talk of old and new Brixton, but surely aren't we all new?

All things, be it the culture of a community, or the culture of a civilisation must change and do change. Nothing is static, but is constantly moving. The sooner people can see that, the easier it is to both move on and accept change whilst still preserving the good out of the old!

End of rant (my hand hurts!)

I do not condone racism. Allegations need to be looked at carefully. Debate should be sensitive. Brixton no need more tension. Wider debate...anyone up for it? ;)

[John Wisehammer]

(Just because staff are non-white, it doesn't mean that they can't be or enforce racist corporate policy. Denny's in the US got serious done for refusing service or making uncomfortable black customers at night, and were fined millions of dollars. This was despite the fact that most of this discrimination was actually being performed by black restaurant employees). (Personally, I'm inclined to see planning laws and proper consultation as one of the few tools ordinary residents have against corporate abuse - and when they start to get chipped away at, then citizens' meagre rights are being abused. It's the camel's nose in the tent).

[IntoStella]

Originally posted by Dangerous
Whoah, just a minute!

I am new to U75, but there is clearly alot of acrimony towards Lawrence and his bars. Is this because of his success and any perceived effects this has had on the gentrification of Brixton? There is much talk of old and new Brixton, but surely aren't we all new?


Ah, ri-i-i-i-i-ight, so we're jealous.
Personally, I am jealous of the way he blocks the pavement in Electric Lane every Saturday and Sunday morning with a huge, steaming pile of reeking rubbish bags, leaking odious alcopops, mexican piss-beer and squished lime slices into the gutter. I just wish I could do that on MY street...
Just goes to show what a community minded guy he is. ;)

[LDR]

Dangerous - Great first post.

I've been more open to the Living than maybe other people on this board as my wife likes it there. I do get a little miffed about people who say that people who go there are boring/mainstream, etc. as it feels sometimes like an attack on my wife. That's besides the point anyway. I also haven't been affected directly by any of the issues raised in this thread.

However, people I know and trust have told me about their experiences and I value their judgements and both my wife and I are unlikely to drink there until we know more about the situation.

The only way anybody is to find out what is happening is by people having an honest debate, which in fairness needs input from both sides. But until I hear otherwise I'm going to trust my friends opinions.

[hatboy]

I personally don't like Mr Merrit. But that is irrelevant. I can assure readers here that too many people in Brixton have had too many negative experiences of Mr Merrit and his bars for this to be a matter of afew jealous people.

Anyone with an ear to the ground in Brixton knows Mr Merrit is widely despised. Not for his success, but for his greed, racism and flagrant disdain for the people of the area he has chosen to exploit.

[Dr Maboozer]

A few comments:

Society at large is racist so believe me there is a lot of racism out there in the entertainment / leisure industry.

I don't think we should confuse the planning permission debate with the allegations of racism.

It seems that the Living Bar deliberately post a bouncer blocking the door for a sort of scarecrow effect. Anyone else noticed this? Believe me this can have a psychological effect on Black / Asian males.

I was turned away from the Dogstar back in 1998 by a white bouncer who said come back with your girlfriend mate (I'm asian). I carried on going there later as I figured it was just a racist individual.

Last year, the Dogstar had a predominately black/mixed nite on Tuesdays called Bullitt (rap music) which was good.

My own thoughts on Dogstar and Living are that the bar staff are mainly O.K. but the management are ruthless.

Maybe we should test Living out to see if this couples only policy is enforced with white middle-class men as well. We should try to be objective before calling for a boycott.

When Living Bar opened there were accusations of racism on the chitchat area of the living bar's website (http://www.livingbar.co.uk/)

This seems to have been the management response...

Bored:
"the living room doesn't have a problem with colour but it IS an issue in brixton: i have never seen such segregation, white bars or black bars & not alot of mixing going on. don't want to sound corny bt we are all one family, so see beyond the surface. " 09/06/01 , 18:19:43

[John Wisehammer]

Just to be clear: is the implication of your last paragraph that the Living Room put a message which implictly or explictly said "it's not us that's racist, it's everyone else that hates us because we're not black"? Or have I totally misread what you've said?

(Genuinely confused).

[Dangerous]

Thanks for the support, Scott. As a virgin here was a bit reluctant to post such a long counter one….

Point taken John: staff make up does not necessarily reflect management policy and that there are issues (rubbish etc) that piss off the community. Could not all of these issues be raised directly with Lawrence? I don’t know him personally, but from looking at other threads, he seems open to comments from the public, and willing to ‘address’ problems.

On the door policy, why does excluding men-only as opposed to women-men = racism? Only if the rule only applies to minorities only. Are there white men that may have been turned away for this reason? As a girl myself, it can be really intimidating to be in bar (cattle market style) that is predominantly male, other than most gay bars i know.

On the rubbish thing – this a a problem all over a London and reflects the crap so-called services that we get from the council. Have you been to the West End at any time of day? I try to avoid it but when I do go its hard not to fall over the shite that litters the pavements and although not as extreme you can see it all over the place, from Camden to Clerkenwell.

On the empire expanding ICA-style, surely now is the time to raise all concerns in a constructive & direct way, so that problems are resolved quickly. You can be sure that if the Living crew do not develop Brixton Cycles, some other business will, possibly one that is far more damaging for the community. Although business can buy policies, there seems to be a human face here. If he has any sense, I would have thought that (especially where it concerned his business) he should be more than happy to resolve such issues.

I simply wanted to put out some facts from the other side of the fence. It is quite easy to jump on the bandwagon of racism and clearly there are a lot of people in Brixton that would like to see Merritt fail. But it is also easy to get all hysterical especially when it comes to race issues. Personally, I feel really strongly that sparking more conflict in Brixton, especially if unsubstantiated, could have really detrimental effects for the community. As I mentioned in my earlier post, Brixton does not need any more tension. Take the latest ‘riots’, the old riots and riots from Toxteth to Handsworth: there are a lot of people out there happy and willing to loot and fight whether they know what the cause is about or not. This is not a reason to overlook any form of discrimination. Far from it. It is more a ‘warning’ that it should be handled super-sensitively.

I abhore racism! To provide a bit of background info so you can see where I am coming from: I am pretty mixed myself and my friends are all shapes, sizes, colours and have a pretty wide range of sexual leanings as well. I know of the hardship, poverty and misery that racism causes, and have never understood how we (the human race) can judge someone on colour, sexuality or any other factor. On politics, I vote green, and believe that as individuals we can turn the tide. Should a candidate from the BNP come to stand a chance of getting in, à la Le Penn, I would would have no reluctance to ‘use’ my vote to try to ensure that he/she did not get in.

Apolgies, this was not meant to be another long one. Promise I wont do it again!

BTW the name dangerous is a bit of a misnomer (had to look it up!) and the result of a bit of a wobbly night. Can I change it please?

[IntoStella]

'Dangerous', for somebody who 'doesn't know Laurence personally', you seem to have an AWFULLY big vested interest.
And your assertion about rubbish being a problem everywhere and ultimately the fault of the council is 100% per cent prime bullshit. Local people shouldn't HAVE to 'take it up' with Laurence that he is piling stinking rubbish on public thoroughfares.
Also, your suggestion that if the 'Living crew' ,as you cosily call them , don't take over Brixton cycles, it could be turned into something 'worse' is UTTERLY LUDICROUS. Like WHAT??
Funny that you should want to change your username. It does seem a very ODD choice for a girl.
So why ARE you defending Laurence Merret?
In my experience, those who come on these boards assuming that people are gullible and stupid usually get a major kick up the ass.
If I was pretending to be somebody else online, it would be an obvious step to change my apparent gender. I might even go so far as to spell my own name wrong......... ;)

[newbie]

IntoStella, I think your attack on Dangerous is a bit harsh. Why, if it comes to it, are you attacking LM? Your posts to this thread indicate a minor concern about planning and a (joke) desire to strew your street with rubbish. So why the attack?

Declaration of interest: none. I've never been in Living/Dogstar/Albert nor have I any intention of doing so. All I know about this is what I read here. Further interest: I'd prefer it if there were less alcohol outlets in Brixton (trendy or otherwise)- but that's just me and my preferences. Another big one in CHL strikes me as a bad idea, whoever owns it.

It does strike me though, that Ruby made a good point when she said "without more actual evidence of racism it just sounds like a lynch mob".

The email at the top boils down to DJ gets gig bumped and falls out with owner because of what 3rd party says owner said. That's a 'dog bites man' story. Within this thread there is precious little direct, personal evidence ("this happened to me ") to support the allegations of racism, although there is sufficient anecdotal evidence from people who appear to know, so I don't doubt that there is a perceived problem. Yet Dr M, to whom it happened personally, chose to continue to go there: is the conclusion really cut & dried?

I don't think anyone has yet offered a suggestion as to why a racist should open a bar in Brixton, or why bar owner with a major business in Brixton should become racist (which may be the allegation). As the email at the top says "Black money spends just the same as white money". So what business excludes paying punters? Is it possible (please bear in mind that I really don't know before you flame me: this is a genuine question) that the door policy is to exclude groups of men, and/or the poor or those in search of a local, in favour of starry eyed tourists easily parted from their money?

Dangerous, given that you've only posted to this thread, why not just register another name, tell us 'Soft&Fluffy' used to be 'Dangerous' and I'm sure we'll live with it. It's a hostage to fortune as it stands, if you're not trying to troll.

[Mrs Magpie]

I know well respected people in Brixton, black men, gays and lesbians (sorry love, couples only....meaning heterosexual couples that is.....) who have been refused entry to Dogstar and Lebensraum, even when they have had people inside waiting for them. My daughter fainted outside Lebensraum last year and was told it was £1.75 for a glass of water brought to her. A Somalian woman was being badly hassled by white youth while the Living door staff looked on until a young girl demanded that they assist...yeah great fucking community spirit.

Also Dangerous, Larry, Larry's typist, or whoever you are, yes there are places that tend to have mostly black faces, mainly because of the music played there eg The Angel and Harmony BUT I as a white person, whether on my own or with other white people, gay or straight, have always been made very welcome indeed and feel perfectly comfortable and unhassled there. (I do wish though that when I ask for a glass of wine in the Angel I had a bigger choice than Liebfraumilch or Black Tower......is that racism or classism because they don't do Chablis Spritzer?) You are saying then, with your obvious hotline to Larry, if I turned up with regulars from the Angel or Harmony we would be let in to Lebensraum or the Dogstar?...................brief pause whilst I pick myself up from the floor and wipe up the wee because I have pissed myself laughing. Many people who drink in the Angel were 'displaced' when the Atlantic became the Dogstar, and the Coach and Horses became Isobar, then Lebensraum.

I have more to say...just the planning stuff, the litter, the increasing rumours of bouncing cheques, racism and homophobia, the increase in Drugs tourists that I have witnessed scoring and then pootling straight into Lebensraum and the Dogstar, the complete lack of consideration for local residents would each take up a thread on their own. It doesn't help that some of the Larry Inner Circle have been loudly boasting around Coldharbour Lane of what they can and have been getting away with (and even at Pat's Wake too.......words fail me.) I am a dowdy middle-aged woman and so I am rendered 'invisible' a lot of the time. It means that I hear and see stuff all the time and no one even notices that I am there, taking it all in and noting for future reference.

......I have loads of other stuff I could say but I am busy with lots of more important family and work stuff to deal with today. Unless there is a radical shift in the attitude and policies of Team Merret then I think that there is likely to be a vociferous organised broad cross-section campaign formed, gathering strength with every recorded incident.

[hatboy]

I say again:

Anyone with an ear to the ground in Brixton knows Mr Merrit is widely despised. Not for his success, but for his greed, racism and flagrant disdain for the people of the area he has chosen to exploit.

[Choc]

sorry scott for offending you with boring/mainstream, i certainly did not intend to offend.

but i do think that it is harder for people who are non european, or the white midddle class type to get into the livingroom.

which can make it a bit ... boring, but i only speak about friday and saturday's here. i'am also a direct neighbour of the living room and dogstar but don't feel too disturbed by the litter or noise. i actually like that brixton gets trendier but wished that more different kind of locations would open instead of one success-concept everywhere.

@ detective boy: maby we should open a discussion of those rumors (s.a) on the drug board ;) .

[Dr Maboozer]

A 'couples-only' policy to keep out most blacks is overt racism / classism.

A 'couples-only' policy to turn away males in Brixton is covert racism / exclusive bullshit.

Even turning away the odd troublemaker with a 'couples-only' policy is bullshit as they should just be straight with people and say "YOU are not allowed in here".

I am more than happy to join Hatboy and others in picketing Living Bar if there is still a 'couples-only' policy, but we need the involvement of black Brixtonians.

[Mrs Magpie]

It's not just about racism, it's about homophobia too.

[christonabike]

And hataphobia as well, I got asked to take mine off about two steps into the place

Refused and went to the Albert

Never been back

[Mrs Magpie]

ooooh! are you the handsome man with the black fedora?....why am I here?...I should be working out the spec. for a fountain........

[Dangerous]

Will try and keep this one short.

Intostella:

If I am who you think I am, do you think I would quite so publicly want to change my dodgy username? If you have a look, I signed up to U75 in April. I have been pretty busy, and have not felt compelled enough to subscribe to a thread until now. Is this a crime?

In defence of my defence of lawrence (laurence-WTF?!): this thread has, as newbie suggests, been based pretty much on hear-say. My BIG vested interest as you nicely put it, is from someone who has enjoyed going to the bar. I feel like i have tried to highlight some facts, and present another point of view to what has pretty much been a one-sided attack.

I do not know the bloke (therefore I do not know it is spelt, sorry) personally. If i did, and if he is as Hatboy & others suggests, believe me I would not be defending him. If you have a look at my msges, they have tried to present a more open view, counter to those on the board. My vested interest, if any, is to try to avoid engendering any kind of witchhunt, escalation of racial tension in brixton etc. which it seems to be headed in.

If that doesn't suffice i am happy to prove my identity to you. Not sure how these things work, via a message board or something (?), although judging from the tone of your msg you wouldnt believe me anyway! Sorry to be such a disappointing illusion.

From a soft and fluffy girl, who used to be a dangerous one

[LDR]

sorry scott for offending you with boring/mainstream, i certainly did not intend to offend.

Gea - no problem. :) I wasn't trying to single you out at all. I didn't even remember who posted what.

I've just got the impression that people who went to the Living weren't worth knowing. That impression wasn't just from your post but from others as well and talking to people also.

I could be a little sensitive. :o

[John Wisehammer]

Dr Maboozer - well, hold on a wee bit there - a couples-only policy (actually a no men without a female escort policy, seeing as women never get stopped by it) is not necessarily racist if it's applied to all men equally. This is the central question and I am more than willing to defer to people with better local knowledge than me on this - but I'm just making the point it's not always racist. However, it's strongly arguable that it's homophobic and 100% arguable that it's the sign of a really shitty bar, IMO.

Hats - usually the point is that it's moody stroppy kids that wear baseball caps and it's a marker for troublemakers, at least this is what my bouncer mate tells me (by the way, I don't believe that what he says is racially motivated for the simple fact he's not racist, and he works in Bath where there are as far as I can see no black people, and all the kids that get stopped by it are white). I've noticed in Central London that bouncers at some places where guys wear hats will get them to take it off at the door and get them to look up at a CCTV for a mo so they're taped clearly, then let them put it back on.

As someone who doesn't live in Brixton, I certainly feel the suggestion that these bars are mostly patronised (and I think I do mean patronised) by people from outside Brixton AND would not be willing for their neighbourhoods to be treated in the same way as Brixton is, is a relevant issue to all this. It's like a microcosm of Cuban or Thai tourism - people go across somewhere for attitudes and behaviour that they would not stand for at home.

[IntoStella]

Originally posted by Dangerous
This thread has, as newbie suggests, been based pretty much on hear-say.
S&FG aka Dangerous,
This is simply not true. Many people have posted on these boards with first hand and sometimes WELL DOCUMENTED evidence to back up their complaints.
I still can't understand why it means so much to you just because you 'have enjoyed going there'. The people who are making the complaints are not doing so out of sour grapes. They have real and legitimate grievances. What makes you think their complaints AREN'T legitimate? Why make such an effort to defend 'the bloke' when you don't actually know him, allegedly, OR the people who are making the complaints?
This is not a witchhunt.
Doesn't a community have the right to defend itself against disruption and exploitation?
:confused:

[hatboy]

Dangerous said:

"Personally, I feel really strongly that sparking more conflict in Brixton could have really detrimental effects for the community. As I mentioned in my earlier post, Brixton does not need any more tension".

Well ask your mate Laurence if he'd care to sell up to a more tolerant, accepting person then.

Newbie said:

"I don't think anyone has yet offered a suggestion as to why a racist should open a bar in Brixton, or why bar owner with a major business in Brixton should become racist".

1) Because he wanted to milk Brixton Challenge for grants, because he wants to further exploit Brixton's status as a weekend clubbers' destination regardless of locals' needs or wishes.

2) He didn't become, he always was. A priviledged, Eton-educated elitist who saw an opportunity to make a killing in a formerly run-down part of London.


There's another issue here too which others have touched on: Many locals clearly do not want Laurence Merrit to monopolise central Brixton. There should be controls to prevent his empire expanding to the detriment of other businesses and locals' concerns.

[William of Walworth]

If as some have suggested I think, the Merrett empire plans to buy up the Albert, opposing that would be the a focal point for a broader campaign ...

[Dr Maboozer]

I've posted the following on the Living Bar's website (http://www.livingbar.co.uk)

"To the management, Do you have a 'couples only' or no men without a female escort entrance policy?"

[Mrs Magpie]

Originally posted by William of Walworth
If as some have suggested I think, the Merrett empire plans to buy up the Albert, opposing that would be the a focal point for a broader campaign ...

He couldn't buy it but he MIGHT be able to lease it...the brewery do franchise or leasehold....I am not worried about the Albert as yet. Trevor, who is managing it at the moment, and knew Pat and whom Pat trusted, is being very open about any developments with the regulars....so far, apart from the massive void where Pat should be, some regulars a bit tearful because we miss Pat dreadfully, and the Stella shirts, the Albert is much the same. The brewery know that the Albert broke all the corporate rules for profitability, but still made a good profit. They know that without the goodwill of the regulars, that pub won't continue to be profitable. They are not stupid.

[Choc]

hatboy has got a good point by asking why the hell should a barowner in brixton be a racist!? i mean how difficult does one make his/her life?

i've been thinking in the bus from work home, and maby this is dangerous ground but ,as a female who went to the dogstar a lot about 2 years ago i (like other girl friends) was hassled on the dancefloor by lonley men who wanted to dance (and whatever else) with me/us. the sort of opposite each other maby quite tight dance style that i just can't dance and don't feel comfortable with. the dogstar dancefloor was always a bit of a shark-basain where all sorts of men circle you in tighter and tighter till you give in and stop dancing. maby these are reasons for the door policys because if you make people pay in a lot of money it is only in the owners interest to avoid having too many of one sex and different type of dancing techniques, if the place is geared to cater for the middleclass type (which it definitly is on the weekends).

saying this i don't mean that this sort of thinking is cool, especially not in the first place. everyone who is ever been in the bug bar on sundays knows that homos heteros blacks whites and everyone else look fantastic together and the dancefloor works as well.

as for foreign barstaff, i think, in london, even the biggest racist would draw a line here because every owner loves foreign barstaff, who else would work nightshifts for 3.50 an hour!!

[newbie]

Thanks Hatboy.

[Mrs Magpie]

Originally posted by gea
hatboy has got a good point by asking why the hell should a barowner in brixton be a racist!? i mean how difficult does one make his/her life?

Hatboy didn't say this, Newbie did. Hatboy quoted Newbie and then listed reasons why a racist person might have started a business in Brixton.

Also re dancing and sharks circling. There are staff who are meant to stop trouble like that. A mark of a bad bar if lone females get hassled I'd say. The one and only time a bloke bothered me in the Albert and wouldn't go away, Pat chucked him out with a loud "The lady asked you leave her alone. GET OUT!"

Is there dancing in Living?...dont think so.....

[Choc]

oh, dear! good point anyway ;)

edited to say now i confused things totally. however quoting is bending facts towards what suits best, ..sometimes :rolleyes: this has just happend here sorry newbie and hatboy i usually try to read posts properly!

[hatboy]

Yes there is dancing in the Living Bar Mrs M, often.

Back to the subject: Just look at the detail in post one on this thread. And Richard's experience ties in with what myself and others have witnessed/experienced for years.

Please can people stop saying "Are you sure?" and "Could this really happen?"

YES IT CAN HAPPEN

YES IT IS HAPPENING

As I've said before Mr Merrit's exploitation of Brixton an it's people IS a scandal. But of course nothing will happen. Nothing will change. Money, power and connections high up always win.

Let's all give up and become money-grabbing racist little shits who don't give a fuck about anyone. That's clearly the way to get on.

:( :mad:

[Mrs Magpie]

Originally posted by hatboy
Yes there is dancing in the Living Bar Mrs M, often.
I stand corrected. I know there is space to dance in the Dogstar, but I only went into Living once, during the day, and there were chairs and tables filling the space and no room for dancing.

<removed mis-understanding>

[Dr Maboozer]

FYI "Crispin J Glover & Richard Waterhouse " are still featured as playing on Wednesdays on Living Bars website.

[editor]

The 'chit chat' section of their website is almost a text book example of how *not* to develop an online community.

Clearly untroubled by moderators, editors or just anyone clearing out the rubbish from time to time, the board is full of customer-scaring rants like, "If you fuck with us we will fuck with you cunts", "LIVING EXCLUDES LOCALS. LIVING IS RACIST. LIVING IS NOT WANTED IN BRIXTON. BURN YOU BASTARDS." and "WELCOM to the SHITBAR hehehe"

Impressive, no?!

[IntoStella]

Shameful.
I hope we don't know any of those people. Threats and abuse never solved anything.
Mike, perhaps you could offer to moderate Larry's boards??!!

[editor]

"Mike, perhaps you could offer to moderate Larry's boards?"

Not a fucking chance! ;)

[pooka]

Originally posted by Mrs Magpie
I am a dowdy middle-aged woman and so I am rendered 'invisible' a lot of the time. It means that I hear and see stuff all the time and no one even notices that I am there, taking it all in and noting for future reference.

Do you knit, Mrs M.?

[Dangerous]

for fear of being labelled 'in defence of' yet again, BUT

isn't the fact that they allow freedom of expression, good, bad & obviously pretty ugly, a sign that they may be a bit more openminded and less concerned with pr/image than people may think?

clearly most people who subscribe here are not punters. there is quite a cross over of people who drink in satay, bug, z that enjoy the bar. most of my friends from brixton (yes black, white etc) do enjoy certain nights there. they would not go if they had directly encountered racism. but, their views are not counted because they do not subscribe here.

the community does have a right to defend itself. in an earlier post i suggested that maybe all complaints should be taken directly to the management. again, in fear of being deemed 'an insider': has anybody done this yet? surely this would ultimately be far more constructive than comments like 'piss off/sell up'?

S&F aka D.

[Dangerous]

Originally posted by IntoStella
Shameful.
I hope we don't know any of those people. Threats and abuse never solved anything.


nice one cyril.

i recall you/the board threatening to kick my butt recently...!

[Mrs Magpie]

Originally posted by pooka
Do you knit, Mrs M.?

Only as my alter-ego, Madame Lafarge.

[isvicthere?]

Dangerous - Into Stella did no such thing. Re-read her post. She was just drawing your attention to the fact that people coming on these boards claiming to be someone they are not tend to get short shrift from other posters. She used the metaphor of getting thier "arse kicked" to illustrate this. If you took that as a "threat" you must be pretty flippin' sensitive.

[William of Walworth]

Only as my alter-ego, Madame Lafarge

LOL!! ;) :)

[John Wisehammer]

"isn't the fact that they allow freedom of expression..."

I don't think it shows a lack of concern about image or commitment to freedom of expression - I think it just means no-one's bothered to look at the site recently!

[moon]

Anna Key
Quote
He also has an interest in Dogstar, Mass, Z Bar and Redstar (Camberwell) plus a bar called PLAY in Clerkenwell. Maybe others too.
Unquote

I find it interesting that Mr Merritt is rumoured to have some involvement in the Z Bar.

I wonder if there is still a file in the filling cabinet from when this bar was called the Brixton Brasserie? the file was said to be named 'Wogs' and was rumoured to contain details of non-white employees?

[IntoStella]

<overtaken by events>

[Mrs Magpie]

Is this something you know for a fact Happy? Can you verify this? If not I'd be careful. Don't leave yourself open to possible libel complications.

[bang]

yes mrs magpie is right...some of the stuff on here is pretty close to libel, what is the legal situation for bulletin boards?? I always wondered how popbitch gets away with some of the stuff posted on their site...

[moon]

I was told about the existence of the alleged file in 1995 when the Z bar was called the 'Brixton Brasserie'.

One of the employees allegedly found the file marked 'Wogs' and was surprised to find the details of black employees inside it.

I have no idea if Mr Merritt was involved in the bar when this incident took place.

Edited to add some backgound information

A friend of my flatmate at the time, used to work at the Brixton brasserie, she found the filling cabinet unlocked and had a look inside, this is when she says she found the file.

[Mrs Magpie]

Oooh horrid to hear mention of the Brixton brasserie..they grudgingly served me & Mr M with a meal once...they were not keen on an uncool couple eating there...one of them blind too.....The food was execreble though expensive. Naturally we never went back.

[IntoStella]

.................
I ordered a tequila sunrise in the Brixton Brassiere once. The barman STIRRED it. (It was more of a tequila sodium light).

[Dangerous]

Have just re-read Jo's msge. Did not get the full force of what was written the first time round. My reaction? Feel pretty stunned also, whose ever file it is/was. Could jo provide us with a bit more info? did she/someone else actually work for LM etc?

Referring to my comment on your 'threat': I did not take it seriously, more a comment to highlight the double meanings of what you wrote. But others may have seen it as a threat, and it doesn;t look great does it?

S&F

Overtaken by edited messages

[Dr Maboozer]

The Equal Opportunities Commission (http://www.eoc.org.uk/EOCeng/dynpages/Pubs_Clubs.asp) site has some interesting information:

"The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (SDA) makes it unlawful for pubs and nightclubs which are open to the public to discriminate on the ground of sex when providing goods, facilities and services ... it applies equally to discrimination against men"

"QUESTION- Can a nightclub refuse to admit large parties of one sex?
ANSWER - To operate a policy that automatically bars all-male but not all-female parties (or vice versa) is likely to be unlawful."

[LDR]

The word is getting round.

My wife (Jo) was arranging to meet her girlfriends for a drink - they normally meet at the Living but Jo says she doesn't want to go there for the reasons already discussed.

Her mates replied, that neither do they because they heard about the reputation of the owner. As far as I know, Jo's friends don't look at the boards so they must have heard elsewhere.

[Dangerous]

overtaken by editing of messages

[editor]

Time for another reminder to posters: please bear in mind that the defammation laws are the same for websites as print media, and passing off any unsubstantiated opinions as fact may lead to legal problems.

You are free to express opinions, rumours and things you've heard, but please be careful about making specific accusations.

Bear in mind that the legal process in such cases can revolve around who's got the deepest wallets so please consider your posts carefully.

Cautiously yours....

[Bond]

Scott you must remember me telling you once I used to go there myself quite often. Me and my friends have also decided not to there anymore for the reasons stated in this thread so she's not in the same boat.

[IntoStella]

Originally posted by Dangerous

Referring to my comment on your 'threat': I did not take it seriously, more a comment to highlight the double meanings of what you wrote. But others may have seen it as a threat, and it doesn;t look great does it?

S&F

I did not reply to your post. Isvicthere? replied to your post. I am sorry if you are not acquainted with the metaphorical term 'to get one's butt kicked', meaning to get short shrift and carrying no implicit threat of violence of any sort.
No-one ever suggested that YOU, Dangerous, were going get your 'butt kicked.'
I clearly stated that THOSE WHO COME ON THESE BOARDS THINKING PEOPLE ARE GULLIBLE AND STUPID tend to get their butt kicked.
So your inferred threat seems like a clear admission that you DO think people on these boards are gullible and stupid. Otherwise, why would you take offence?

--------------
PS: Don't you love it when threads stop making sense?!

[Anna Key]

One point which hasn't been mentioned yet:-

Mr Merrett has constructed his Living Bar drinking deck on Coldharbour Lane without planning consent. See above for details and sources.

This is proven. Anyone can check the Council records. I've quoted some of them above.

By doing so he's disrespected the local community and undermined local democracy (IMHO). He's subverted the legal rights of his neighbours to influence their local built environment.

This isn't the end of the world, but it's irritating. Also the Coach and Horses (as was) is a good example of late 19thC pub architecture. It doesn't deserve to be Merettised [verb. To merrettise. From: Merrettism; a branch of 1980s capitalism. See Thatcherism.]

Mr Merrett was asked last July by Lambeth Council, formally and in writing, to regularise the situation. He didn't. He's now been told again, in a formal report to Planning Committee. Lets see what happens.

Until the Council make him take it down (or he receives retrospective planning consent after everyone's been consulted) the drinking deck remains in use. He's making money from it.

Would Lambeth Council licensing department award an entertainments license covering a drinking deck constructed without planning permission and subject to enforcement action?

Would a Magistrates' Court grant a license for alcohol consumption in respect of such an (unauthorised) edifice?

I'm checking this. Should others care to join me, feel free.

Details are:-


Lambeth Council Senior Services Officer (Licensing): Mr W Pape (bppape@lambeth.gov.uk).

The Licensing Clerk to the Greater London Magistrates Court Authority: Mr Philip Fernandez (philip.fernandez@glmca.mcs.gov.uk)


BTW Dangerous. Your writing style remind me SO MUCH of a certain "Larry" who posted here last year. Even certain spelling and grammar errors are identical. Are you by any chance related?

I'm unable to access the U75 "Larry" archives to make a detailed check. The link given earlier on this thread doesn't work.

[RubyToogood]

Yes, what happened to that thread? The link worked ok a couple of days ago.:confused:

[Dangerous]

Intostella: Last one on this note, it is truly starting to get really confusing.

-I was trying to highlight the 'hypocrasy' of what you wrote regarding threats.
-My calling what you wrote as 'threat' does not imply that i actually thought that you were REALLY going to kick butt!

On a different, more cryptic level: what is the difference between a threat and an implied threat, anyway? Surely they are both pretty much the same thing unless they lead to actual violence?

But no! Ididn't think you were really going to.

I did get lost with the 'therefore you must think that people on this board are gullible' bit....?

Anna: how can i reply to that one? my writing style is my own, sorry about that. Short of sticking a jpeg up with a full frontal and my wobbly bits, not sure what will work. but then you would probably think that was a set up too, wouldn;t you?

Confused, S&F

[John Wisehammer]

You could always stick the jpeg up and give us a bit of a laugh in any case, dangerous! :) ;)

[Mrs Magpie]

Originally posted by Anna Key
Mr Merrett has constructed his Living Bar drinking deck on Coldharbour Lane without planning consent

This has already been raised at a Lambeth Transport and Traffic Meeting as it has blocked sight lines for cars turning into Coldharbour Lane and there have been several near-misses.........

[IntoStella]

Anna: how can i reply to that one?

Don't bother. You Eton chaps are all the same.

[Dangerous]

now this is getting personal...i am not larry!!!

[Anna Key]

i am not larry!!!

Of cource not. Different IP address.

[isvicthere?]

I am not Larry!

[Mr Retro]

I'm Larry and so's my wife

[John Wisehammer]

Larry is a manifestation of our dark and twisted selfish impulses. Like Satan, he's a metaphor more than a person. We are all Larry.

[Dangerous]

I know nothing about old boy networks. But this:

Some have thrown in comments which seem to judge someone by what school they went to. what actually makes this any better than judging someone for the colour of their skin, sexual preference etc?

A child born into a favela or with a silver spoon has no choice in the matter. it is what you DO with your life that counts. surely that should be the main focus of this? so why not get back to the real issues: allegations of racism etc, and positive solutions for dealing with community issues.

I do not know lawrence. it is quite possible that he does not know about this debate. would it not make sense for one of the moderators to get in touch with him to both verify this and look at ways to address all issues raised here?

Thanks & its been, how should i put this? interesting. S&F

[Anna Key]

Some have thrown in comments which seem to judge someone by what school they went to.


I think you'll find the Eton crack was a joke.

Surely, there's a long, long tradition in the UK of laughing at public school boys - Monty Python, Harry Enfield, the great Vic Lambrusco...?

In fact, what's the point of HAVING a public school system unless everyone laughs at it? What other function does it serve, except to amuse the nation?

:confused:

<edited to change "pubic" to "public." Sorry!>

[IntoStella]

Originally posted by Dangerous

Some have thrown in comments which seem to judge someone by what school they went to

Hmmmm......... funny that. The public school twats at my university certainly judged ME by what school I went to.
Oh, and whoever originally spelled 'hypocracy' (sic) like that, it certainly wasn't me. I bet it was Anna Key!! ;)

[Anna Key]

I bet it was Anna Key!!

That's a bit orf. Judging a cove by one's spelling. I say!

[IntoStella]

Dangerous???
Have you run away???
Was it something we said?

[WATERHOUSE]

I am now registered, so if anyone wants to direct this discussion my way, feel free. I have mailed Hatboy my reply to my initial thread, which has been 'in my eyes' effective thus far.

WATERHOUSE.

[Anna Key]

WELCOME Mr Waterhouse.

This is an extract from the thread 'I went to the living room the other night..."

Posted 05 July 2001 07:53 PM

larry
contributor
Member # 1537

I thought I would join this debate as one of the founders of Living Room...

Yes we have a door policy. it is very simple at weekends like all popular bars we get too many guys so we need to in effect penalise groups of guys.

I'm writing what follows on the assumption that this was indeed Mr Lawrence Merrett describing, in his own words, Living Bar's door policy.

I can't prove that it wasn't someone impersonating him. This seems unlikey. Should it turn out not to have been Mr Merrett I shall withdraw this post immediately.


Living Bar door policy, on the date of the posting, clearly discriminated on grounds of gender: people were being refused entry to the bar on grounds of sex.

Sex discrimination has been generally illegal in the UK since about 1975.

Such a door policy would also discriminate, indirectly, against gay men, as a man is less likely to gain entry to the bar compared to a woman.

Accordingly, Living Bar door policy, on the date of the posting, was clearly discriminating on grounds of sexuality.

Discrimination against gay men is not illegal in the UK, but is highly immoral. A bar doing it should be exposed.

The Pink Paper and Stonewall are likely to be interested in this.

Lambeth Council Licensing Committee will also be concerned. The Council, at least on paper, enforces an equal opportunities policy, which includes opposition to discrimination on grounds of sexuality.

I'd like to know if Living Bar's door policy operating on 5/7/01 still applies.

If not, why was it ever applied? What will Mr Merrett do to make up for enforcing such a policy?

If the policy still applies, it stinks.

[WATERHOUSE]

Dear All,

It seems my letter has ‘picked the scab’ off of one of our local festering wounds. Liable, slander, defamation of character, are all terms applied when a blatant untruth is told about a person. I don’t need to slander a lifeform of Mr. Merritt’s evolution. He does that all for himself.

I have visited the site and read all of the threads posted. I would like to reply in general to the people who believe this is a personal ‘rant’ by myself about the ‘man’, and the rest of the sofa dwellers too wrapped up in their own problems to notice what’s happening around them to care.

It may seem out of character for a ‘black’ man from ‘Brixton’, like myself, to respond in such a manner. With measured thought, intelligence. Sorry to disappoint you.
My true stereotype should be outside the bar with about 50-60 black men, waiting to see why we aren’t allowed to come in, directly ready to ‘kick off’. I actually think that is what most people would expect, except no-one has anything to gain from such behaviour. We would be living up to the expectations of all those folk who feel safe in their cosy, but sadly, racist pocket in Brixton. I have lived in Brixton long enough to see the positive changes in the community. I feel there is a need to protect these developments and not take a step backwards. We don’t need or want rioting in the streets!

To those of you who are incredulous at the calling of the ‘man’ racist, I have only one thing to say... Until you have had someone look you in the eye, spit in your face and call you a “nigger”, you have no authority in the definition of who or what is a racist. I have worked at his bar for over a year, and I have clearly seen his attitudes towards black people. They are inexcusable and should not be allowed to continue unchallenged. He is not an idiot either. Using black doormen to turn away black people is the ‘softly, softly’ approach and not likely to create a scene, as would the contrary if the doorman were white. Most people in those professions are bound by the management’s wishes and have to comply, otherwise no more work. Plus, its easy money if you’re just a stormtrooper, following orders.
However, it makes no difference as the majority of the curious black population of Brixton seem to have gotten the ‘message’ by now.

‘Gentrification’, such a nice word. Except it applies to gentlemen. ‘True capitalist’, more to the point, but lets go back about 250 years. ‘Disposable workforce’, slaves by any other name. All the makings of a good plantation. Well done ‘Massa Merritt. It was only 50 years ago when the last white ONLY bars were begrudgingly converted for the use by ‘coloured folk’ in America. Where is this ‘man’s’ head at? Does he think he’s Dr.Who or something? Time travel is impossible!

To all the people who have frequented the bar, had a good time, etc... I have had some amazing times at his bar. Yes, it is a lovely venue. Comfortable. I treated it like my own Living room. Turn off the music, flashing lights, sober up... He’s taking your money and he doesn’t give a fuck. About you or anyone in fact. Business, by any means necessary. Which brings me nicely into the planning permission fiasco.

I was surprised to read of the cheek of the ‘man’, obviously ‘above the law’ with cash to spare, getting away with whatever Lambeth lets him. I wonder who got the ‘gravel driveway’ at local government? Such accusations! To even think of it.... is enough. What else can you do? Why haven’t any other businesses in the vicinity built without permission? Maybe it has something to do with being law-abiding and honest. No respect for the law, the community or its inhabitants. Blatant. As noted, I am sure other boroughs would be less lenient. As would their communities, trendy or not.

Finally to all who feel this is ‘all a bit too uncomfortable’, and have some sympathetic notions towards this ‘little man’.
With one letter I have opened a genuine forum for discussion. I have not lied or embellished my account. I will stand in any court of law and reiterate my opinion. Either Mr.Merritt is a ’man’ who has made it his mission to really annoy Brixtonians to the point of explosion, because of his attitudes and practices in Brixton or I and many other members of this community are just ‘jealous of his successes’ and we are just being ‘vindictive’.
Bullshit. He’s a SCUMBAG!! through and through! All the talk about him being mixed-race don’t mean squat. If you don’t like black people, you don’t. Whether you’re Chinese or whatever. If that’s the way you are, you are not likely to change. Until you are educated enough to realise all races make up this world. I don’t think social anthropology was one of his strongest subjects. Such a waste of a blue chip education.

Mr Merritt knows who I am. I have spoken the truth and he knows it! If he can HONESTLY defend his honour like a true ‘man’, with balls, he may gain enough respect from me to look at under an electron microscope. I doubt very much that he will have anything honest to say in his defence of my claims, as he tends to stutter under pressure.

To all who agree with me and feel the same about this social pariah we have acquired......Keep telling the truth. Because the truth hurts.

WATERHOUSE.

[WATERHOUSE]

Originally posted by Mr Retro

Mr Merritt should comment here and explain his door policies - if he doesn't then he is another money grabbing faceless coward.


Mr. Retro you are obviously an intellegent person. You said it before I wrote it.:D

[WATERHOUSE]

For the record -

FROM "FELIX" TO RICHARD WATERHOUSE:

Too damb right!
I noticed this some time ago, I dont go in there, and although I would love to have a regular Brixton gig, haven't replied to his request for new promoters for LIVING, RED STAR, and PLAY.
It's fucked up, I have heard from the previous manager of LIVING that Lawence even asked him not to let any 'Niggers' in on the opening night, as well as the manager of the RED STAR asking Jools Butterfield to stop playing 'Nigger' music (I'm quoting this, they both really did use that term). This is obviously some kind of segregation that Lawence is trying to promote, I dont know were he thinks it will get him, but its sertainly not getting him any love or respect from this quarter. In fact the only thing this kind of segregation promotes is distrust, disunity, resentment, and hatred, which do nothing for the state of the comunity, and will only get worse if this matter is not adressed. I've been boycoting them for some time, but wonder if this is what Lawence wants, as the fewer open minded people who frequent his establishment, the more his narrow minded views are allowed to grow. I hope that your campaign has more impact, maybe even getting this matter included in the institutionalised racism debate that Lambeth Council are conducting at the moment. Retract his license, Brixton is a multi-cultural community, but there is no place for the apparteid culture that he is overtly promoting.
Peace.

Felix

:eek: :eek: :eek: This is NOT a VENDETTA, just simple truths.
OUCH!

<re-arranged slightly for clarity>

[John Wisehammer]

If you lose all the irrelevant bollocks about plantations (not least because slaves specifically aren't disposable or flexible workforces, part of the reason they disappeared), those are interesting posts there (if a bit confusing to read - is it Felix Waterhouse and Stuart Noble, two different people?).

But if the man's such a obvious cunt and "everyone knows it", why did you work for him for so long? I'm sure you'll realise that it looks (as somone that doesn't know either you or this Larry punter and is just going by what's written here) a bit odd for you to work for him for two years then turn around and tell so many stories about racism and other scummy behaviour right from day one. Obviously this is an individual question about you - but when you're putting forward individual opinions and experiences, then I think it's a fair question. (And don't get me wrong - it's fair enough to say that you enjoyed the work and liked the wages - most of us have to work for a living and there aren't that many people who love everything about their job).

[Mrs Magpie]

I was originally pleased to see the investment in the area but my enthusiasm waned fast. I have seen lots of documents relating to Living in particular but his other businesses too and the fact that there has been collating of stuff like that for quite some time by concerned residents first made me think maybe the investment was a a bit of a Trojan Horse.

I am better able to comment on the goings on at Living in better detail because I have to wait ages for the P5 at differing times of the day or night. Living is directly opposite. I have seen people being turned away regularly. I know people who have been turned away. With one exception they were black or gay.........

I have heard local residents complain about the thumping bass in the middle of the night, how Merrett seems to flout planning laws with impunity (I have heard rumours that he has a little friend in the planning department. I have no idea if this is true or not). He is not at all respected by local businesses or people. A really quiet gentle person that runs a local business has actually been driven to something approaching hatred of the man. A lot of people that I respect are active in their desire to rid the area of what they regard as his malign influence.

[hatboy]

This is a very serious issue - ie a racist bar in Brixton. Pease can we keep to the subject.

What is the point of Mr Merrit coming on here? He's been on here before and how ever reasonable he may seem many people, including myself and Richard above, have experienced or witnessed his racism and generally supercilious behavior to all around him.

I know Mr Merrit and some of you are not aware that I used to work for him at the Dogstar six years ago. His interest in the Dogstar at that time was as great as his interest in Living now.

While I had fun working at the Dogstar, Laurence and his shitty attitude to everyone there (except total arselickers, the only ones who utimately rise in his organization) was a constant problem.

We eventually parted company. I was sacked but it was a relief really and was brewing for awhile. I think I was about to leave anyway. Why did I go? In fairness I don't take to being ordered about and I was probably drinking abit too much on the job. However I was also very good at the job of welcoming and entertaining people at the door of the club/bar. The MAIN REASON I went was that I couldn't stand Laurence's racism anymore. As fast as I got people into the bar/club he was ejecting them, and it was always black men getting chucked out!

Some examples of Mr Merrit's attitude:

Often he would point at a black man with dreads while I was on the door of the club and say to me within their earshot, "Is that a dealer, is that a dealer? He hadn't got a clue who was who and just went on his naive ideas on who was a "low-life" (his word).

When I once remarked how well I was getting on with a particular security man who worked with me at the Dogstar (who is still a close friend) and is black Laurence said "Oh yes, he's like one of us isn't he?"

Several black friends of mine have been accused of "making people nervous" or drug dealing in the Dogstar or Living.

A black musician I know was persistently refused admission at the Dogstar until he explained that he was there on business. Then he was grudgingly admitted.

The whole thing stinks. Have no doubt of that.

[editor]

What is the point of Mr Merrit coming on here? Because this is a public board and he has every right to answer the criticism levelled at him - if he dares!

[hatboy]

Well now it is time for action. We all know what he is and how he operates - regardless of the lies he may tell in his defence. (Mike - where is the other "Living" thread. The link is dead). If you don't know, then get to know.

This needs to move beyond Brixton pub conversations and web banter.

[ats]

Hold it, Hatboy! You may know that Merritt is racist - or you may simply believe that he is. If you're chucking statements like 'Well now it is time for action...This needs to move beyond Brixton pub conversations and web banter.' at us, we need to be convinced. I don't have the direct experience of Mr Merritt that some people here clearly do, and what I'd say I see so far is a strong case for the prosecution rather than a proved case. If he's definitely racist, then please argue the case fully to people like m.e

[hatboy]

Isn't there more than enough on this thread already? What do you want ats? Look at the emails from to Richard above or my examples.

I appeal to rocket no 9 to contribute too if he's reading this.

[WATERHOUSE]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by John Wisehammer
[B]But if the man's such a obvious cunt and "everyone knows it", why did you work for him for so long?

It is unfortunate that whatever a persons circumstances are they are in a corner and need the money. People are trying to make headway any way they can. Conveniently wealthy and a cunt...... fair play! but you can only take so much before you have to say goodbaye to the bollocks. Exploiting the Exploiter!

Answer your question John?:cool:

WATERHOUSE

[William of Walworth]

I am continuing to be stunned at this thread! Good luck to all hoping for a decent and fair resolution to this disgraceful saga ...

[TopCat]

Waterhouse joined the debate and I must take isue with a couple of points...

It may seem out of character for a ‘black’ man from ‘Brixton’, like myself, to respond in such a manner. With measured thought, intelligence. Sorry to disappoint you.

This is a an offensive slur on everyone here. Justify this crap eh?

Further...
Until you have had someone look you in the eye, spit in your face and call you a “nigger”, you have no authority in the definition of who or what is a racist.

This is not true either, I have strong opinions on racism and do not need anyone bestowing upon me the right to hold them.

Racism can affect all sorts of people and there are enough racists of all colours in Brixton and elsewhere.

Waterhouse in my view hardly has much authority here as he was complicit in enforcing the racism of Mr Living Room.

We all need to make money but I feel we can decide how much shit to eat for our cash and he went way too far.

I personally much preferred the Coach and Horses and The Atlantic to their reincarnations as trendy style bars for white Clapham wankers. Consequently I have never been in the Dog Awful or Living.

I would appeal to everyone not to spend any more money in these establishments.

Arson as a "solution" is totally out of order and counter productive, however a huge tin of pink paint thrown up the side of Living might get the point across, especially if repeated a few times, cheap too.

[Brixton Hatter]

Unfortunately this issue is not new. I remember when the LivingRoom first opened - within a few weeks there was a debate on the messageboards on Brixtonline.co.uk about not only the racist attitudes of the door staff, but also of the bar staff - not serving black people who were at the bar etc. It's a shame that after the 2/3 years or whatever that they've been opened, they're still getting away with this attitude.

[hatboy]

Topcat has a point there Richard (Waterhouse). Give people here some credit for being mostly reasonably informed and non-racist please.

I don't think it's fair to say "you shouldn't have worked for him then" Topcat. Laurence's attitudes are cumulative. You might or might not notice them on one visit to his bar. But working for him becomes increasingly difficult for any open-minded, non-racist person as time goes on. I know since I also worked for him some years ago.

I have now met Richard and he speaks the truth about Mr Merrit. I urge others here to support him. I shall be.

[TopCat]

Well perhaps I was being too harsh, but personally I would never drink at the two establishments let alone work for the fucker.

It was never a surprise to me that when it kicked off a while back down the lane the Dog awful was one of the first places turned over.

Hit the git where it hurts him most...in the wallet...

[Dr Maboozer]

Brixton Hatter's right, I was around when it opened. Some annoyed customers wrote the following on living website (http://www.livingbar.co.uk) .

David Jenner: YEAH. THEY DON'T LIKE BLACKS THERE!
01/06/01 , 15:18:11

Geelow: What a yuppiefied piece of crap. stinks big time. Jus for rich & white ; NAZIS
01/06/01 , 02:53:14

Brad: What the fuck is "couples only" supposed to mean?
16/05/01 , 17:22:24

[WATERHOUSE]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TopCat
[

This is a an offensive slur on everyone here. Justify this crap eh?

To be completely clear about what I mean, I am attempting to describe the level of control I have at the moment. Sure it would be easy to lose it and get banged up for a useless act of violence or as you suggested criminal damage. But who will win that battle? Not us. Who will have to clean it up? One of his house slaves who would probably be sacked for not doing a good enough job.

I have referred to actual events which I feel have even affected me with regard to racism. I just happen to be black, so maybe I am more passionate about this situation....and Brixton is my manor

It is not my intention to offend anyone, so take it easy :cool: Read into the text TC

WATERHOUSE

[Streathamite]

It may seem out of character for a ‘black’ man from ‘Brixton’, like myself, to respond in such a manner. With measured thought, intelligence. Sorry to disappoint you.
Richard, I've met a lot of people who post here - not one of them indulges in racism or Racial Stereotypes. That comment was unworthy of you.
Right, that over with, I'm 100% with you on this. This man must be fought with every legal weapon possible. So - what to do?
I think leaflets & pickets are a good idea. As are affidavits from felix and Stuart Noble, and yourself (we'd need those on the leaflet, to avoid a libel suit). Can anyone interested in meeting up to rough out a leaflet please PM me.

[bellies]

I never liked the place for purely asthetic reasons.


Brixton is a great night out though, Bug bar, Dogstar and the Albert are great.

Was anyone in the Albert when that weird theatre group did a xmas play? I think is was on the saturday before xmas?