A NIGHTCLUB in China has been accused of “gender discrimination” and “fat-shaming” after it reportedly banned entry to women weighing more than 65 kg.
According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), the weight ban was part of a list of new rules aimed at providing a “safe” environment for customers.
The list also banned bald people, gold chain jewellery, photography, gambling, drugs, smoking, minors, slippers — and oddly enough, laughing gas.
Local Chinese media reported the rules as being listed on a blackboard displayed at the club’s main entrance in Wuxi city in Jiangsu, eastern China.
Due to an error in translation, the since-viral picture of the sign wrongly states that the weight ban starts at 130 kg instead of 130 pounds (65 kg).
“All for publicity”
After pictures and news of the club’s list went viral on social media and received criticism, an unnamed employee from the club said it was a publicity stunt.
“The policy on the board is just a formality; girls over 65 kg are allowed in,” the staffer told Xinyuan Video, adding that anyone is allowed in so long as they follow the dress code.
The employee appeared to justify the ban by saying the nightclub received numerous complaints of women being harassed by bald people and those wearing gold chains.
The SCMP report did not specify if complaints were received against women weighing over 65 kg.
It also did not explain why the weight ban was specifically targeted at those weighing 65 kg and up, or why it has no such policy in place for men.
Despite the backlash, the club refused to remove the signboard but said this could change if brickbacks continue. — July 31, 2022
Main photo credit: SCMP
