A Greater Manchester bar owner is standing firm on his controversial policy of banning solo drinkers after 9pm, despite facing significant criticism and online debate.
The Policy That Sparked Debate
Carl Peters, who runs the cocktail and karaoke venue Alibi in Altrincham, has publicly defended his establishment's door policy that prohibits single entry during evening hours. The rule came under scrutiny earlier this month when Mr Peters posted a video to the bar's Instagram page addressing what he described as the resulting "furore".
The video, captioned "Door policy drama", was recorded in direct response to being challenged by a prospective customer who believed the rule was discriminatory. In his explanation, Mr Peters outlined two primary reasons behind the policy that he insists is for customer safety.
Safety Concerns Behind the Rule
"If something happens to that person in a late night, busy bar environment where people are drinking, it's an absolute nightmare for us to deal with," Mr Peters stated in the original video posted earlier this month.
He further explained that solitary drinkers sometimes "start mithering other groups, because they're not just going to sit there in a bar in silence". A clear sign on the bar's door reinforces the policy, stating: "No single entry. After 9pm, Alibi does not permit single entry. This is for the safety of all guests."
Mixed Reactions and Further Defence
According to the BBC, Instagram users had divided opinions about the rule. While one commenter expressed that they "always feels safe in Alibi", another described the policy as "narrow minded", noting that they had "never once mithered anyone" during solo visits after late work finishes.
On Wednesday 19 November 2025, Mr Peters posted another Instagram reel to reaffirm his position. "Well it's certainly been an interesting couple of days with this whole furore about our door policy," he said. "To be honest with you, I just want to draw a line under it. I won't apologise for prioritising people's welfare, safety."
He emphasised that people are allowed in alone before 9pm, and the restriction only applies during peak hours when the venue becomes "packed and it's like a nightclub in there". Mr Peters believes this approach represents "standard procedure in nightlife" and noted the issue only arises "once or twice a month", typically involving "someone drunk at midnight wandering around trying to find somewhere to go".
The bar owner concluded that customer safety remains his "number one priority", followed by ensuring visitors "have an amazing time and Britney Spears is being played".
