A disabled man with a painful medical condition was refused entry to two Bexleyheath nightclubs within minutes because he was wearing a pair of trainers for comfort.
Edward Taylor, 25, suffers from May-Thurner syndrome, which affects blood flow to his left leg, causing significant swelling in his foot, requiring him to use a crutch and wear specific shoes.
His friends invited him for a night out on Saturday (August 21) to cheer him up following a poor episode of mental health.
But his night ended before 10pm, as he was turned away from Pure Lounge Club and Arcadia Loungebar on Bexleyheath Broadway in quick succession for wearing Adidas trainers, the only pair which currently fit around his swollen ankle.
Mr Taylor, a police evidence storage worker, said: “I felt really alone and singled out, just because my condition.
“Why would they treat someone like that?
“There are all kinds of disabilities out there, some are hidden, some are visible.
“People don’t understand what you’re going through.”
Edward was told on both occasions that wearing trainers went against the club door policy.
He explained each time that they were worn purely for medical reasons, showing his swollen and bandaged leg.
May-Thurner syndrome causes painful leg ulcers on the outer skin, which are prone to burst and bleed.
Edward, who lives with his parents and brother in Bromley, was diagnosed with the condition aged 16 after developing a blood clot in his left leg.
He claims that both clubs allowed customers wearing different brands of trainers inside.
The Pure bouncer reportedly justified this as they were “designer”, suggesting Edward buy some himself.
Similar comments were allegedly made by the bouncer at Arcadia, who even advised Edward to purchase a pair of black shoes across the road at Tesco.
“I was really getting really wound up at this point,” he said.
“I told him that it was disgusting and discriminatory."
Feeling defeated, Edward told his friends to continue their night without him, arriving home in an “awful mood.”
"I want to show some support and raise awareness," Edward added.
"It’s a common thing. People with disabilities should be able to enjoy themselves."
Both venues denied that their dress codes discriminate against disabled people.
A spokesperson for Pure Lounge Club said: “As with the vast majority of venues like ourselves, we do implement a dress code.
“Ours is smart casual with emphasis on smart, we always state we do not allow sports wear and that includes sports brands (other venues within Bexleyheath range from no white trainers to shoes only) – this has been our policy for the last 5 years and is stated on our website and all promotional material.
“Guests can wear trainers to Pure so long as they are not sports branded, designer branded trainers are permitted as are unbranded trainers/pumps etc – in all cases they must be smart looking and clean.
“With regards to exemptions as we all know not all disabilities or ailments are visual, that being said anyone with a medical shoe/boot on would be allow entry.
“We are an all-inclusive venue and accommodate guests of all physical/mental abilities.”
A spokesperson for Arcadia Loungebar said: “Sorry to hear about the experience of the colleague.
“We have a strict door policy for a reason, both clear on our website and front door sign, it is requested by the council which we have implemented for years.
“Designed to ensure a safe environment for a customers and staff. It is not discriminatory by any means, we do not vary from it.
“Our door staff are strict, many customers go home and get changed.
“Both Pure nightclub and ourselves Arcadia implement the same policy. Trainers can however be worn in pubs or restaurants nearby.
“We apologise if the door staff did not communicate this to the person in question effectively and a member of the management team is always outside to answer any questions, I was personally outside on Saturday night and this wasn’t bought to my attention at the time.
“All guests are also to encouraged to call or message us if they have any questions regarding dress code or footwear.”
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