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Gurvinder Grewal, 23, was meeting friends at Harbor Grill on Sunday, May 12, when security refused to let him in, claiming that he was in violation of the bar’s dress code, which prohibits hats.
According to the New York Post, Grewal attempted to explain that he wore it to practice his religion, but the security guard reportedly reiterated the owner’s policy on dress code. He reportedly attempted multiple times to explain that he was simply there to meet up with friends, but was still refused entry.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Harbor Grill wrote that Grewal was not wearing a "traditional" turban but "what would be more widely perceived as the slang term 'dew rag' or a 'stocking cap.’"
“Harbor Grill embraces people of all races and religions, and we do not discriminate against anyone for their creed or color,” they wrote. “Please know that our weekend dress code policy is in place for the safety of all our patrons.
“This policy, posted at the entrance, applies to everyone; to pick and choose who can and cannot wear headwear of any type would truly be discriminatory against anyone else attempting to wear a hat inside.”
The owners of the restaurant said that the night bar manager in question “insists that he explained the dress code in great detail two times to (Grewal), and he was refused entry, not ‘kicked out,’ as originally claimed.”
“The claims of being threatened to be kicked out for attempting to video the interaction according to the manager are inaccurate in that it was other people - not the subject person - coming to the door afterward, seemingly attempting to coerce some sort of controversial response.
“Again, to reiterate, we welcome and appreciate all people coming to our establishment irrespective of any race or religion.”
Grewal, who works at City MD and volunteers as an EMT at Stony Brook, told the Post that Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant has apologized for the incident and advised him to take action. He was told to contact the ACLU and a civil attorney regarding the manner.
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