A bar in Stockport has banned drinkers from wearing sportswear, caps and ‘manbags’ from entering in a move that has led to some mixed reactions from punters.
Bask, opened by DJ Gareth Books on Stockport Exchange last year, announced on Twitter that it would no longer be “admitting anyone with trackies, hoodies, caps, sportswear, manbags” during the evenings on Friday and Saturday nights.
The new rule has been introduced as the bar implements what it calls a “smart casual dress code” from 7pm on the two busiest evenings of the week.
The full post read: “From 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays we’ll be running a smart casual dress code. For the weekend nights we won’t be admitting anyone with trackies, hoodies, caps, sportswear, manbags. We look forward to seeing you all this weekend when @mrgarethbrooks returns to the decks.”
However, the new rule has sparked outrage amongst some with customers taking to Twitter to voice their thoughts – and quite a few of them are saying the same thing.
ADVERTISEMENT
A number joked that Bask owner Gareth Brooks – a self-proclaimed sneakerhead whose Twitter bio reads “Yeah I got on sneaks but I need a new pair” – will now be turned away by bouncers himself as a result.
The XS Manchester DJ is regularly pictured in a cap, trainers, and other sportswear, and has shared numerous pictures of new Nike trainers on his Instagram over the years.
ADVERTISEMENT
For this reason, some people couldn’t help but point out the irony of his bar’s new rule.
Image: DJ Gareth Brooks via Instagram
Image: DJ Gareth Brooks via Instagram
One person asked if he would start “DJing from outside” on the weekends, whilst another replied: “Manbags! That @mrgarethbrooks not getting in!”
Others, meanwhile, accused the management of generalising against sportswear fans, with one user replying: “Bit vague innit. Plenty of folk wear caps out nowadays that aren’t chavs or scrotes.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Another person simply replied with a link to Scottish comedian Limmy’s Smart/Casual sketch, which depicts a group of middle-aged men in shirts and blazers brawling, wolf-whistling, being sick in the toilets and then, finally, waking up on a bench in a state the following morning.
From 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays we’ll be running a smart casual dress code.
For the weekend nights we won’t be admitting anyone with trackies, hoodies, caps, sportswear, manbags.
However, some have replied in support of the post with one person tweeting: “manbags should just be a barring offence full stop.”
Another called the rule a “good choice”, before adding: “Trackies, hoodies and caps are for lazy people who don’t care about their appearance or their surroundings. It’s become Stockport’s uniform of choice and is simply a lack of class.”
Owner Gareth Brooks has told The Manc that he feels that trainers do not count as sportswear and that customers can wear these to the bar as part of their ‘smart casual’ look.
However, punters wearing other items in the athleisure category such as caps, trackies and ‘manbags’ attempting to enter after 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights will be turned away.
It’s not the first time a bar has caused uproar by banning trainers, but as we’ve seen in the past – where there is a will, there is often a way.
Last year, a local lad managed to sneak his way into a club after being turned away for wearing white trainers but pulled his friend’s black socks over them so it looked like he was wearing a different pair of shoes.
Who knows, perhaps this technique will soon be adopted in Stockport too. For now, only time will tell.
Feature image – Bask / Gareth Brooks
News
Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year
Emily Sergeant
Digital driving licences are set to be introduced across the UK later this year, it has been announced.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today that, before 2025 is out, Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person, as well as proving their right to drive.
A mobile driver’s licence is set to be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK wallet app that’s being launched later this year.
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) January 21, 2025
The new wallet will allow users to securely store Government-issued documents on their phone, such as DBS checks, Veteran Cards, and loads more, as well as driving licences, and use them easily when needed by making use of a range of security features that are built into modern smart phones – including facial recognition checks.
According to the Government, the new service means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
Traditional physical documents will still remain available, however.
Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year / Credit: GDS
The mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all Government services will have to offer a digital alternative, alongside paper or card credentials, by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital Government.
“This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
Featured Image – Pxhere
News
Plans to bring Greater Manchester’s rail services onto the Bee Network unveiled
Emily Sergeant
Ambitious plans to bring all rail services in Greater Manchester onto the Bee Network have been unveiled this week.
After the success of all the region’s buses returning to local control at the start of the year, Mayor Andy Burnham has set out Greater Manchester’s step-by-step plan to bring rail into the Bee Network by 2028, working alongside the rail industry to do this as the next part of his joined-up ‘London-style’ public transport system, which is intended to boost passenger numbers, and drive growth across the region.
Developed in partnership with the rail industry, Department for Transport (DfT) and Shadow Great British Rail, Mr Burnham says his plan is aimed at not only improving transport but unlocking major regeneration and housing opportunities on land around the region’s stations too.
Greater Manchester’s proposition is for eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases over the next five years.
Under the plan, the first two lines – which will work to connect Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, in Tameside – will join the Bee Network by December 2026, and then a further 32 stations, and all lines within Greater Manchester, would join by 2030.
Not only that, but Greater Manchester leaders have also committed to working with the Government and the rail industry to “improve reliability” and “implement service changes” to help drive growth too.
If all goes to plan, the first branded Bee Network train will be running by the end of 2026.
Bus, tram and train will finally be united in a tap-in, tap-out payment system with a daily cap offering much better value for money than existing rail fares.
Another major change is that TfGM has said it will work with the rail industry to accelerate the delivery of accessibility improvements – with more than 60% of stations on the eight lines set to have step-free access by 2028, compared to 43% at the end of 2024.
“Our rail system today is acting as a brake on growth and, as the UK’s fastest growing city-region, Greater Manchester deserves better,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, as he unveiled his plans this week.
“We need a railway that is reliable and fully integrated with the rest of the Bee Network to drive growth and deliver new homes with public transport connections on the doorstep.
“Our plan puts passengers first by delivering a simplified, joined-up public transport network, with better services, stations and overall experience. Only by making travel by train more reliable, simpler, flexible and accessible to everyone, will we convince more people to leave the car at home and make the switch to the Bee Network.”
Georgina Pellant -
9th November 2022 
