I saw this at Zouk an hour ago. (My phone does not have the highest resolution around. So apologies for the low quality shots here.) I suspect many of you will feel outraged by the photos. Don't be. Do hear me out.
Night of Fri 13 Jan/Early hours of Sat 14 Jan.
0015hrs.
Man in wheelchair wanting to enter Zouk. He and a female companion were obviously denied entry by the bouncers. So they were asking if bouncers could relent and let them in.
0020hrs. Couple was denied entry despite repeated pleas.
0025hrs. Other friends whisked couple off in the direction of Winebar.
Now, there are always 2 sides to the story.
My thoughts on the disabled man:
1) For the man, I noticed his thighs and apparently atrophied muscles. I believe he is permanently disabled. I admire his bravery in trying to have a fun night out despite his disability.
2) He knows that a club is a crowded place and he could be refused entry on all grounds. Still he tried.
My thoughts on Zouk:
1) I believe they have a SOP when it comes to these situations. Zouk is not wheelchair-friendly. Then again, no club in the world ever is, except at beach bars.
2) I heard the Zouk bouncers politely explain to him that his safety might be compromised even if they let him in. The Bouncers stood their ground in denying entry. They left it at that and ignored the couple after that initial 10-minute or so discussion I witnessed.
I believe the bouncers have a valid point.
Matters that lingered on my mind:
1) The disabled man and his female companion had friends. The friends should have decided that Winebar could be a better place for everyone to hang out at. They could have come out to take him away sooner. Some venues do not view disability with as a pre-condition to concessions.
2) Regardless of Zouk's stance and right to refuse entry, they could have done better in the communications & PR department. For example, not just to offer him Winebar or even Velvet as alternative choices (they might have, but I didn't hear it), but to physically come out from behind the cordon to show him the way to the alternative space. Unless Zouk has a total no-no policy to wheelchairs. That being so, there is nothing else the bouncers could have done in this case if no bureaucrat wants to come out to face the heat.
Clubs are all about beautiful people, party and fun. We tend to be so carried away by all these glittery glamor. Tonight, this little incident totally sobered me up. I am reminded that there's another side to life and living.
*********
Night of Fri 13 Jan/Early hours of Sat 14 Jan.
0015hrs.
Man in wheelchair wanting to enter Zouk. He and a female companion were obviously denied entry by the bouncers. So they were asking if bouncers could relent and let them in.
0020hrs. Couple was denied entry despite repeated pleas.0025hrs. Other friends whisked couple off in the direction of Winebar.
Now, there are always 2 sides to the story.
My thoughts on the disabled man:
1) For the man, I noticed his thighs and apparently atrophied muscles. I believe he is permanently disabled. I admire his bravery in trying to have a fun night out despite his disability.
2) He knows that a club is a crowded place and he could be refused entry on all grounds. Still he tried.
My thoughts on Zouk:
1) I believe they have a SOP when it comes to these situations. Zouk is not wheelchair-friendly. Then again, no club in the world ever is, except at beach bars.
2) I heard the Zouk bouncers politely explain to him that his safety might be compromised even if they let him in. The Bouncers stood their ground in denying entry. They left it at that and ignored the couple after that initial 10-minute or so discussion I witnessed.
I believe the bouncers have a valid point.
Matters that lingered on my mind:
1) The disabled man and his female companion had friends. The friends should have decided that Winebar could be a better place for everyone to hang out at. They could have come out to take him away sooner. Some venues do not view disability with as a pre-condition to concessions.
2) Regardless of Zouk's stance and right to refuse entry, they could have done better in the communications & PR department. For example, not just to offer him Winebar or even Velvet as alternative choices (they might have, but I didn't hear it), but to physically come out from behind the cordon to show him the way to the alternative space. Unless Zouk has a total no-no policy to wheelchairs. That being so, there is nothing else the bouncers could have done in this case if no bureaucrat wants to come out to face the heat.
*********
Clubs are all about beautiful people, party and fun. We tend to be so carried away by all these glittery glamor. Tonight, this little incident totally sobered me up. I am reminded that there's another side to life and living.
21 comments:
not many clubs here allow the disabled either. but some do...it's still a party. you're right. 2 sides to a story. good that you can see that.
this is not just being a gracious society. it is also about being realistic i guess.
cool. this is not what you usually see at clubs. so what?? do you empathize, or do you stride over and yell blue murder?? or do you keep quiet.
i love blogs. what a good avenue to spread social consciousness.
do you by any chance work for any publication?? newshound!!! social reporting??!
good thoughts, imp
photos speak a thousand words. and from the photos,many will truly not think too much into it and take it for face value.
deep thoughts for the weekend. all good.
at least the bouncers are diplomatic. i have seen horribe, un-educated bouncers, who will prob just turn them away without explanation.
if you have perfect friends, this is the time for a sober reminder that the world aint all fair.
I think that is the only right thing to do. Zouk is just not designed for wheelchair.
If I'm in wheelchair, I'll rather go winebar instead.
Well...ya..its quite sad that they can't enjoy the full pleasure of Zouk...but at least the scene did not turn ugly then..
Its really not suitable they go in there (not that I look don on them)..but its really crowded in there...Safety first bahz..I guess..
i thought zouk had a disabled toilet.... ??
hmm hmm.
tough call. i wouldn't even attempt to go on if i'm in a wheelchair. but yeah. maybe winebar.
i wonder if there was a lot of shouting. hard to say. bad situation. sigh.
If the disabled wheelchair falls over the stairs inside zouk which is about 1/2 - 1 storey high, then who to blame? zouk or the disabled?
Very sure, chances are pretty high zouk get sued and have to compensate. Special people need special attention.
no no no. i won't allow the disabled with a wheelchair inside zouk. major headaches of safety.
sad. but it's really a matter 'i sympathize, i'm sorry, i can't."
not to zouk. no way. winebar. perhaps velvet even.
nice post imp. from all viewpoints. am glad you didn't rush in to intervene or something,but took a step back to think about it.
and painful the reality is.
it's always been this way, isn't it?
wheelchairs shouldn't be allowed into clubs. period. there are too many drunk and blind people there already. it's hazardous to be guy sitting in the wheelchair. not to mention all those flights of steps into zouk. not the best venue.
thanks for all your comments here, and on Tomorrow.
just wanted to show an even picture of all senses. well...reality.
good to read your writing imp. we need more writers like you in the blogosphere.
refreshing to read posts that aren't flaming anyone or about mundane nothings.
Dear All
Looks like you individual have it all..to say.... But me, myself is also on wheelchair too and i have been to zouk since it first open in the early days under the previous management (Mr. Lincoln) I have no problems get in and out of there as the kind bouncers and friends were helpful to bring be in with ease.. you can always safety is a good excuse to turn down a disabled just because he is on wheelchair. So in a worst case where there is a fire, abled body can walk and run will they be free from accident burns or death? Each individual goes to clubs at their own risk weather accessible or non accessible. Club management is likely to be responsible if the fire exit does not meet requirement under fire safety. How can wheelchair individual be denied of their rights on how to spend or enjoy their life just though they are limited my their disability. Mind you, during the previous management i go to zOUK 2-3 times a week without any problems, the bouncers there are always more then willing to assist at any one time, though i have to overcome the 3to4 steps at the entrance, down the slope, go down more steps again to the bar counter near the fire exit door leading to the side car park.. In the end is how you view people with disability than to say.. "Fire Safety"... ha ha...
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