The Alchemist bar has announced temporary closure to allow the county government of Nairobi conduct investigations over claims of racism.
In a statement dated Monday, May 30, the entertainment joint will shut down its doors for an unspecified period of time to review the incident and evaluate the policies put in place to ensure all visitors are treated equally and with dignity.
Alchemist noted it will work collaboratively with the county government of Nairobi to get to the bottom of the issue which sparked outrage online.
"The closure will allow review of The Alchemist, in general, to determine if there has ever been a policy of discrimination. Interviews and footage will be reviewed of the past events both at the gate and inside the establishment.
"The closure will also allow for the review of the 3rd Party Security Services based on interviews and footage to determine what actions and recommendations should occur," The Alchemist stated.
The establishment stated that the findings of the investigations will inform the next course of action to avoid a repeat of similar instances of racism.
"Based on the results of this investigation, the county government of Nairobi will advise on the next steps and procedures."
The Alchemist took the action after it was accused of racism following a video clip that went viral over the weekend, seemingly perpetuating racism against black people.
The video allegedly portrayed the black people queueing in different lines from white and Indian revelers.
The entertainment joint distanced itself from promoting racism.
"The line is composed of people of all different backgrounds. We have never had a policy of segregating lines," the establishment explained.
“There was a group of customers who had stepped out and were re-entering the venue. The security allowed them to come in through the exit line in order not to clog up the main entrance. The video that was shared by a private individual made it appear that another customer was denied entry – that’s simply not true."
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