Woman Kicked Out Of Family Restaurant Over ‘Inappropriate’ Outfit, Says Her Race Played A Role

This article is being republished as it initially attracted attention in August 2021. Aireal Bonner reported experiencing “rude mistreatment” at a Birmingham restaurant, where she was asked to leave due to her attire. She expressed doubt that her clothing was the actual reason for her removal. Bonner was requested to exit Southern Kitchen & Bar in Uptown after she refused to cover her crocheted top, which the restaurant deemed a “bikini top” in violation of its dress code.

In a video posted on Facebook, when Bonner asked about the location of the dress code notice, the manager responded that such a notice was unnecessary because the establishment is a private entity.

Another manager offered her a t-shirt, which she chose not to wear. Following this, she was told to leave, with the manager warning that law enforcement would be contacted if she did not vacate the premises. In her Facebook post, Bonner remarked, “I was threatened with police action simply because I wanted to sit and eat in an outfit that I felt comfortable and happy in. There was no customer complaint that prompted the situation. This was purely the way that the ‘owner’ chose to run his business.”

Bonner later reiterated her belief that her clothing served merely as a pretext for her expulsion. She told CBS 42, “My clothing was an excuse to not have me dine there. I think the biggest issue with my appearance is that I look very Afro-centric. My hair is of Afro texture. The way that I dress is Afro-centric. So I believe that because they can’t directly say things like ‘We don’t like the color of your skin, we don’t like the way that your hair looks,’ my clothing was just used as an excuse.”

In a recent statement on its Facebook page, Southern Kitchen and Bar addressed the situation involving Ms. Bonner, clarifying that her attire did not conform to their dress code policy. The restaurant expressed regret for the timing of their intervention, acknowledging that the staff should have addressed the matter upon her arrival rather than after she was seated.

The statement conveyed, “We apologize for the disruption to Ms. Bonner’s dining experience and understand that such incidents can lead to discomfort.” It also mentioned that the restaurant is “implementing stricter protocols” to ensure policy enforcement, which will include addressing any concerns at the entrance.

“We are dedicated to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for all our guests,” the establishment emphasized.

Ms. Bonner rejected the apology and called on the public to leave negative reviews about the restaurant, which led to the removal of its Yelp page.

Photo Credit: HoodzoneProductions

Bonner remarked, “The so-called ‘apology’ regarding the TIMING of my confrontation over a non-existent dress code is, as I previously stated, utterly LAUGHABLE.”

In response, the organization Alabama Rally Against Injustice has planned a sit-in protest at the restaurant for Saturday, highlighting that images of other women in similar attire have been showcased on the restaurant’s social media platforms.

The group stated, “While private businesses have the right to operate as they see fit, any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.”