Daily Slideshow: Vest And Colors In Restaurants: Can They Really Refuse Service?

1. Rooted In Fear

Thankfully, the days of daily biker-on-biker gang clashes in view of innocent bystanders have all but disappeared. Still, some pretty well-documented incidents and, of course, sensationalization by the media have kept the fear of motorcycle riders on the public radar. Dramatic news coverage of the biker shootout in Waco, Texas back in 2015 and the exhaustively covered shootout in Laughlin, Nevada in 2002 didn't do any favors to the motorcycle community. Many would argue, however, that for the most part the public's fear or mistrust for "bikers" is poorly conceived.

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2. A Growing Community

The biker community has enjoyed a healthy growth over the past decade. A whole new generation of riders is on the road and this generation is made up of people from all walks of life. Motorcycle clubs have, for the most part, changed their image, and people who find trouble are usually those looking for it. Today's bikers deal with a stigma that, many times, results in profiling which has now been found illegal in states like Maryland; that's right bikers too lead on with grassroots efforts in order preserve to what some is a way of life. If you would like to know what is going on in your state on motorcycle rights check out www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com. 

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3. Legal Loopholes

One thing that can be associated with motorcycling is the feeling of freedom and of course, if it's fun, someone is going to make a law against it. When it comes to bikers, there seems to be quite a bit of restrictive laws that most "other" folks simply don't have to deal with. While discrimination on the basis color, creed, gender, and how you choose to dress is illegal, there are loopholes that businesses (mainly restaurants) use to discriminate against bikers. To deny service to someone based on gender, for example, is discrimination. However, a business can deny entrance or service to a biker based on what he/she is wearing based on "fear". The restaurant owner/manager simply has to cite "biker' violence anywhere and that they are advocating "safety" for their patrons. Unfortunately, the reaction of some bikers to this denial, or to the request to remove a vest or "soft colors" is exactly what the restaurant needs to have all the legal grounds they need. Unfair? Absolutely!

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4. Legal Options

Well, unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of options as individuals. At best, a claim for discrimination will lead to an expensive legal battle full of biases and supported by mainstream reported violence. As a group, however, grassroots movements taking hold in many states have seen much success in ending biker profiling and discrimination by police. Take the time to lend a hand, volunteer, or donate to local efforts to ensure that you are able to ride, dine, and park just like anyone else. 

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5. "Biker" Options

NO! we don't mean go beat anyone up. Bikers, as a group, are a mighty force. We spend money and when we travel we travel in groups. This means dollars for businesses that sometimes forget how they got to where they are at. Bikers are also a chatty bunch, our social network moves quickly so when you are denied service because of your bike or because of what you are wearing hit them where it counts. Spread the word about a business that is "not biker friendly". People make fun of bikers because you acknowledge another biker on the road, a complete stranger, but it is that camaraderie that can easily shout a bar or restaurant by word of mouth. You have power and other bikers will listen to you... wouldn't you? 

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6. Yes They Can

So, yes, unfortunately, they can deny you service because of your vest. Now, for the most part, people make no differentiation between an MC, RC, Association, or Group - colors are colors for them. Although this might ruining your plans to dine on that river-side joint or at that town square restaurant remember that you are part of an incredibly large community that shares information FAST!. If this happens to you, take the time to make a few flyers, take them to your local Harley-Davidson dealer, bike shop, or biker-friendly joint and post it! You might not see the results right away but that business sure will. 

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