Polynesians refused service at Utah bar settle case

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Polynesians refused service at Utah bar settle case

Hallie Golden, Associated Press

Updated 8:02 pm, Wednesday, May 18, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Two Polynesian men who sued a Salt Lake City bar where they said they were refused service because of their ethnicity have agreed to settle their lawsuit for about $2,500 each.

Frank Maea and Stephen Wily agreed to the settlement Wednesday following an incident in February in which they said a bartender at Willie's Lounge told them that she couldn't serve them because they were Polynesian, based on instructions from the owner.

Willie's Lounge has also agreed to pay about $2,500 for attorney's fees, post a copy of its non-discrimination policy in a prominent spot and give both men a copy of all news releases and public apologies posted by the bar, according to court documents.

"My clients are very satisfied with the outcome," said Dustin Lance, attorney for Maea and Wily. He said he couldn't provide any other information because of confidentiality rules.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Polynesians-refused-service-at-Utah-bar-settle-7676581.php

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[center]

Frank Maea [/center]

[left-of-center2012]

1. I never knew Polynesians were trouble makers (sarcasm)

“Maea said in a previous media interview that after they entered Willie's Lounge and ordered a drink, the bartender checked his ID and asked if he was Polynesian. When he confirmed that he was, she said she couldn't serve him.

Geremy Cloyd, the bar's owner, said he has an informal rule allowing female bartenders working alone at night to turn away people who look like they could make trouble, and he acknowledged that he has included Polynesian people in that category.”

[Judi Lynn]

2. So Polynesians are known as "trouble makers?" I never have heard this. n/t

[IronLionZion]

5. Since when was this a thing?

and do they have enough Polynesians in Utah to establish this policy?

hmmm....

Why is it a racial thing? I'm curious how this came about.

[kiva]

6. Several years ago my brother lived in Salt Lake City for a few years.

When I visited I was surprised at the number of Asian and Pacific Islanders - he said the Mormon Church had a very active missionary program in the region. He didn't say anything about any particular prejudice against them, but was very cognizant of the prejudice against 'gentiles' (my brother wasn't Mormon).

[tabasco]

3. Could have gotten a lot more.

Must have had a stupid Mormon attorney.

[TipTok]

7. That is certainly random...