The women dressed as golliwogs were allowed into Wetherspoon’s bar in Derry this week
THE Wetherspoon pub chain has apologised after two women were allowed by door staff into a bar in Derry on Hallowe’en night this week dressed as golliwogs.
A customer in The Diamond Bar told a newspaper they were horrified to see people dressed as the characters, which are widely regarded as racially offensive.
“A young black woman was upstairs sitting near the girls,” the customer told The Irish News.
“Then she and her friends moved downstairs before leaving.”
The customer added: “People were queuing up for selfies with them.
“It was quite shocking. Especially when Derry is trying to promote itself as an international destination for Halloween and attract tourists.”
A Wetherspoon spokesman said: “We apologise wholeheartedly to the lady in question for any offence that was caused.
“The two ladies were allowed into the pub by the door staff.
“In hindsight they should not have been allowed in the pub or served because their outfits were likely to cause offence.
“We will ensure that all of our staff at our pubs in Northern Ireland are aware of the incident and learn from it,” added the spokesman.
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