Manchester Bar's Solo Drinker Ban Sparks Outrage
A cocktail and karaoke bar in Greater Manchester has triggered intense public debate after implementing a controversial policy that prohibits single customers from entering after 9pm. Alibi, located near Altrincham Market, posted a red-and-white sign announcing: "No single entry. After 9pm, Alibi does not permit single entry."
The establishment requires that anyone meeting friends inside must be collected at the door, claiming these measures are designed to protect guests. However, this justification has failed to satisfy many critics who view the policy as discriminatory toward people who prefer to socialize alone.
Owner Defends Policy Citing Safety Concerns
In an Instagram video, owner Carl Peters defended the controversial decision by suggesting that lone customers create safety and management challenges for staff in late-night environments where alcohol is served. "If a person is alone and something happens to them, it becomes an absolute nightmare for the team to manage," Peters explained.
He further claimed that solitary drinkers often approach other groups because "they have no one to talk to," leading to customer complaints. The bar owner stated that his venue chooses to "eliminate" such scenarios by refusing entry to anyone not arriving with an existing group.
The establishment also enforces a strict dress code that bans sportswear, tracksuits, Stone Island clothing, ripped jeans, and anything conveying what the bar describes as "roadman vibes."
Critics Warn Policy Deepens Social Isolation
The ban has drawn strong criticism from advocates who argue it reinforces negative stereotypes about single people. Nicola Slawson, author of "Single: Living a Complete Life on Your Own Terms," condemned the rule as "another way to penalise single people and make them out to be something weird or freaky."
Slawson emphasized that many people drink alone for valid reasons, ranging from parents seeking quiet moments to elderly residents who depend on pubs for social interaction. She warned that such policies contribute to loneliness at a time when social isolation represents a major public health concern.
Solo travel blogger Sara Scott also challenged the bar's assumptions, accusing the owner of blaming all single patrons for the behavior of a small minority. "In my experience, groups are often more disruptive than lone drinkers," Scott noted, adding that the venue has permanently lost her business.
The policy announcement, originally shared by Linda Ikeji on November 19, 2025, continues to generate heated discussions across social media platforms, with many users describing the rule as "misguided" and "sad on so many levels."
