Bar manager sacked after Grenfell Tower fundraiser cancellation

By Georgina Townshend

- Last updated on GMT

Immediate effect: bar manager sacked following Grenfell Tower fundraiser comments
Immediate effect: bar manager sacked following Grenfell Tower fundraiser comments

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The manager of a Shoreditch bar has been sacked after a Grenfell Tower charity night was cancelled, following comments the night would “attract a poor-quality demographic”.

The fundraising event, which was meant to be held at east London’s Trapeze Bar on 29 June, was postponed by the event’s promoters Haqiqi Events – which said it would “not associate with a business like this”.

While announcing the night’s cancellation on Twitter, Haqiqi Events shared a message sent to them by the bar’s manager, which said: “I am disappointed that I see your artwork and flyers have described that your music genres include Bashment and Trap music.

“Both of which were not described when we requested information about the event,” he wrote.

The general manager continued to state that this type of music attracted a “poor-quality demographic” and would “result in problems”.

It was hoped the event would raise £1,000 for the victims who had been affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

Not a representation of company’s beliefs

Following the cancellation, the owners of Trapeze Bar, Miroma Leisure, confirmed that following a full investigation the employee involved has had his contract terminated with “immediate effect”.

“The conduct of the employee does not represent our company’s values and beliefs,” said a company statement.

“As a gesture of goodwill, Trapeze Bar has donated £2,000 to the British Red Cross London Fire Relief Fund which has been co-ordinating efforts to support the residents and neighbours impacted by the Grenfell Tower fire, effectively doubling the target amount set by the event.”

Haqiqi Events responded: “We are happy to see a full investigation has taken place and a donation to a much-needed fund”.

New date to be arranged

Miroma Leisure apologised for the general manager’s actions and said it was “committed to a policy of welcoming all guests into the venue and does not discriminate in the terms of race, age, colour, sex or national origin.”

The company said it was planning to assist the promoters to raise awareness of the new date and “will be proud to announce the new date in due course and do everything possible to make the event a resounding success”.

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