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#1
08-05-2002, 08:55
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i got forwarded this about the living room
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. 
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#2
08-05-2002, 09:12
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Reading that has made me very very angry and upset
  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!!???
Last edited by HHJ Wonderland; 08-05-2002 at 09:17.
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#3
08-05-2002, 09:25
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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.
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#4
08-05-2002, 09:28
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Theres always two sides to a story, maybe Mr. Laurence Merritt would like to comment ??
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#5
08-05-2002, 09:34
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Anna, is this the thread you mean?
http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/sho...ht=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?
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#6
08-05-2002, 09:37
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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
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#7
08-05-2002, 10:02
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Quote:
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.
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#8
08-05-2002, 10:18
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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?
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#9
08-05-2002, 11:05
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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
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#10
08-05-2002, 11:13
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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! 
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#11
08-05-2002, 11:23
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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.
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#12
08-05-2002, 12:22
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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?
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#13
08-05-2002, 12:34
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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
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#14
08-05-2002, 18:22
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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.
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#15
08-05-2002, 19:15
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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.
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#17
09-05-2002, 07:51
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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.
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#18
09-05-2002, 08:01
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Quote:
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#19
09-05-2002, 08:28
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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.
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#20
09-05-2002, 09:24
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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
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#23
09-05-2002, 10:26
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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........
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#25
09-05-2002, 10:35
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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...
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