Aireal Bonner has sparked a heated debate over alleged discrimination after she was asked to leave Southern Kitchen & Bar, a popular Birmingham restaurant, for her attire. Bonner claims she was “rudely mistreated” and believes her clothing was not the real reason for her removal.
The incident occurred when Bonner was informed by restaurant staff that her crocheted top, which they categorized as a “bikini top,” violated the restaurant’s dress code policy. When she refused to cover it with a t-shirt offered by management, she was asked to leave. A manager even threatened to involve the police if she did not comply.
In a Facebook video, Bonner questioned the legitimacy of the dress code, asking why it wasn’t visibly posted. The manager explained that the establishment, being a private business, was not required to display such policies.
Bonner expressed her frustration, writing on Facebook:
“I was threatened with police action simply because I wanted to sit and eat in an outfit that I felt comfortable and happy in. There was no customer complaint that prompted the situation. This was purely the way the ‘owner’ chose to run his business.”
In an interview with CBS 42, Bonner further elaborated, suggesting that her clothing was used as a cover for discrimination:
“I believe the biggest issue with my appearance is that I look very Afro-centric. My hair is an Afro texture, and my style of dress is Afro-centric. They can’t outright say, ‘We don’t like the color of your skin or the way your hair looks,’ so they used my clothing as an excuse.”
The restaurant, Southern Kitchen & Bar, later issued a statement via Facebook apologizing for how the situation was handled. The statement acknowledged that while Bonner’s outfit was deemed “inconsistent with [their] appropriate attire policy,” the staff’s decision to confront her after she had already been seated was poorly timed.
“We regret interrupting Ms. Bonner’s dinner and understand that would make anyone feel uncomfortable. We are establishing more rigid protocols to ensure these issues are addressed at the door. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels welcome at our establishment.”
Despite the apology, Bonner rejected it, calling it “laughable.” She urged her followers to leave negative reviews of the business, leading to a flood of criticism online and the temporary removal of the restaurant’s Yelp page.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Alabama Rally Against Injustice, a civil rights advocacy group, announced a sit-in protest at the restaurant. The group claims there is evidence of other women wearing similar outfits in photos on the restaurant’s social media pages.