A Virginia restaurant has apologised to a Sikh American for wrongfully denying him entry because he was wearing a turban.
The owner also promised that he will ensure that all his staff are made aware of religious exemption to the 'no-hats' rule.
On December 1, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund received a formal apology from the Richbrau Brewing Co. restaurant in Richmond, VA for denying Hansdip Singh Bindra entry to the restaurant with his turban.
On November 24, Bindra went to the popular restaurant in Richmond with members of his extended family. When the doorman denied entry, citing the restaurant's 'no hats' policy, Bindra tried explaining to him that he was wearing a turban, a mandated religious article of faith for Sikhs.
"There were all sorts of people there, and yet I was being singled out solely because of the way I looked," said Bindra. "I wear a turban everyday as a Sikh, it's who I am."
In the apology letter, Michael Byrne, Director of Operations at the Richbrau restaurant said: 'I would like to extend to you an apology for our doorman enforcing the 'no headgear policy' literally. I have contacted the Richmond media and reaffirmed our policy of the traditional headgear policy exception to our staff. I trust you will feel welcome on your next visit to Richbrau Brewing Co.'
He also explained to the SALDEF that a policy allowing for religious accommodation would not permit patrons to circumvent the policy by claiming religious significance for baseball caps, bandanas and other such articles of clothing. 'A Sikh turban, a Jewish Yarmulke, and a Muslim hijab are all federally protected religious articles of faith and, as such, are allowed to be worn by individuals in all circumstances," he said.
