Restaurant function reportedly not for same sex couples
“I would never have booked a table for the date night if it was stated on the advert that no same sex couples are allowed. I would have just left it.”
An enjoyable evening out for a gay couple, at a renowned restaurant in Brakpan, turned sour when the establishment’s management reportedly informed the pair that same sex couples were not welcome at a date night.
Mia Agrela (32), of Minnebron, saw a date night at the Lake Restaurant advertised on Facebook.
The date night was for Thursday, last week.
“I thought it would be a nice evening out for myself and my partner (33). We have been together for four years,” said Agrela.
“I phoned to make a booking on Monday, last week, and was requested to make the payment of R350, which I did.”
On Thursday morning, last week, Mia received a notification from the restaurant, confirming the details for the date night, and was shocked to notice that it clearly stated: “No Same Sex Couples”.
“I tried to engage with the owner, Sammi-Jo Amiras, via WhatsApp, but when she did not reply I contacted her telephonically,” said Agrela.
“Amiras told me that her other customers feel uncomfortable when they have same sex couples at their date night but we are welcome any other night,” said Agrela.
“In our conversation she also mentioned on numerous occasions that she is a Christian and that she has the Right of Admission,” said Agrela.
“She also mentioned to me that the previous owner did allow same sex couples to marry at the restaurant but that she will not allow it.”
Agrela asked for her money to be refunded and it was done later in the day.
She has since posted her grievance against the restaurant on social media.
“I would never have booked a table for the date night if it was stated on the advert that no same sex couples are allowed. I would have just left it,” said Agrela.
“It is also not my intention to take the bread off the table of the owners, they have done a phenomenal job with the restaurant, but I just feel that the situation was handled completely unsatisfactory.”
“If Sammi-Jo made an effort to invite me to meet to discuss the situation I probably would have settled with their decision but this was not the case.”
“It is fine to have your beliefs but you are not allowed to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation,” said Agrela.
The Herald asked the new owners of the Lake Restaurant, Dino and Sammi-Jo Amiras, for comment regarding the situation, and the following comment was received.
“It is not correct that management discriminates against any members of the gay community as alleged by Agrela.
“With regard to our Thursday night evening out, which motivated Agrela to spread malicious rumours, such event is in no way discriminatory against gays and lesbians but specifically designed for couples of the opposite sex only. As by way of example, a singles night, an all girls night or a senior couples event etc.
“With regard to the issue of the same sex couples, this was brought to the interested couples’ attention when enquiries were made in respect of the booking.
“It is further recorded that gays and lesbians are welcome to visit our establishment.
“With regard to gay weddings, we further record that our establishment will accommodate a social event pertaining to such weddings but we underline that no church service thereof will be permitted as this will offend the majority of our patrons as it will conflict with their religious convictions.”
