Tapas bar closes in British town after ‘workers experience racist abuse’
A Tapas bar in Exeter has closed its doors after being subjected to a torrent of racist abuse and violence.
La LoLa Tapas Bar put a notice in their window explaining that to shut because they had been receiving racist abuse, which resulted in at least one person becoming seriously injured.
The note said: ‘Dear customers. Last Friday we suffered a physical assault with serious injuries.’
‘Over the past year we have filed dozens of complaints of racist attacks and death threats to both the police and our landlord, the Exeter City Council and none of them have done anything to stop this violence.’
‘As was to be expected, one person was seriously injured.’
‘This business will remain closed until the Devon and Cornwall Police or the Exeter City Council can ensure the safety of our customers and staff.’
‘Sorry for the inconvenience.’
ITV reporter Nick Smith said on X: ‘What kind of country do we live in?’
‘I spotted this in Exeter today while visiting family.’
‘This is the city where I grew up and I always thought it was pretty friendly and tolerant.’
‘But one of its local businesses (a tapas bar) has now closed citing ongoing racist abuse!’
(Picture: @NickSmithITV/Kevin Hayes MET)
In August, anti-immigration riots erupted across the country following the stabbing of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
According to data published by the Home Office last week, religious hate crimes in England and Wales hit a record high in the year to March, with some 10,484 hate crimes reported in 2023-24.
This represents a 25% increase from the previous year.
Hate crimes against Muslims and Jews surged in the wake of the war on Gaza following the 7 October Hamas attack against Israel last year.
Devon & Cornwall police have been reached for comment.
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