Gaslamp Bar in midtown Houston responds to allegations of racial discrimination

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HOUSTON - The doormen at The Gaslamp bar in Midtown welcomed a steady flow of patrons inside on Sunday.

But a group of African American men said they weren't shown any hospitality on Friday night when they claim the doormen told them it would cost $20 to get inside.

"And we just sat across the street and watched and we noticed that all of the Caucasian people were able to get in without paying the 20 dollar cover," said Dan Scarbrough.

"This is 2015 and we're supposed to be living in post racial America but this is what's going on," said Ken Piggee.

The men shared their experience on Facebook. Their post included pictures of what they were wearing that night and images of the doormen. The post has already been shared several thousand times.

But the Gaslamp's attorney said the midtown establishment has been mischaracterized.

"We see a lot of people rushing to judgment," said Tim Sutherland. "And that's fine to get behind a movement but you should explore all the facts."

Sutherland also said the men were charged a cover because they were attempting to go to one of the upper floors where a cover is always required to everyone except VIP members.

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