Westminster Council launches probe after Park Lane nightclub accused of charging black customers more for entry

Drama nightclub denied accusations of racial discrimination
Drama Park Lane
Tom Powell12 June 2018

Westminster Council has pledged to investigate after an upmarket Park Lane nightclub was accused of charging black customers twice the price for entry.

Drama, a celebrity haunt located in the Hilton hotel in Soho, denied allegations of racial discrimination following claims made online.

Film producer Nadine Marsh-Edwards said on Twitter that her daughter was asked to pay £20 at the club on Saturday night, while white women were charged £10.

She wrote: “My daughter went to a club in the West End last night. Black girls got charged £20 entrance fee - white girls £10... London life right now."

The post was widely shared and several councillors pledged to help investigate, while Ms Marsh-Edwards later confirmed City Hall’s Night Tsar Amy Lame had also been in contact with her.

Westminster Councillor Ian Adams, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Licensing, told the Standard: "Racial discrimination is abhorrent, and it is very concerning to hear of these allegations at a nightclub in Westminster.

"We are looking into these claims and will work with the relevant authorities, such as the police, to ensure this matter is fully addressed.”

Pancho Lewis, a Labour councillor for the West End, described the allegations as a "disgrace" and said the club's licence could be suspended until it can prove they are not true.

Drama, which describes itself as a “regular celebrity hangout” and has attracted stars including Drake, Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan, said it was “urgently investigating” the claims.

A spokesperson for the venue told the BBC: “We operate a non-discriminatory policy and we place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

"We do not tolerate any form of discrimination against any individual or group. The standard door charge at Drama Park Lane is £20.

"Promotions are offered for various reasons, but never on the grounds of discrimination of race, colour or national origin.”

TripAdvisor reviews of the club have previously complained of similar racial discrimination.

"I have never experienced such discrimination from a London club before," one person wrote.

"If you're black, stay away," said another.

A reviewer called George P claimed he was told that the club was full but his wife, who was described as white, was allowed entry.

Drama did not respond to the Standard’s request for further comment.

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