A Trafford Centre restaurant has responded after a woman criticised it for refusing her entry. A video shows 22-year-old Lia Clark being denied access to Gourmet Burger Kitchen because she could not prove she is over 18. The restaurant, on the upper level of the Orient, has now issued a response.
The burger spot has been a mainstay in the shopping centre for over a decade. The chain first opened in 2001, serving the “original gourmet burger”.
Viral TikTok video
In a video posted to TikTok, Lia Clark said she was denied entry as she did not have her ID to prove she was over 18. She said: “We’re trying to come in here to eat a burger, no alcohol. Nothing. A chicken burger.”
She said she was asked if she had ID and was told you have to be over 19 to eat at the restaurant. Lia told the employee she was 22 and presented a photograph of her passport. The member of staff told her she needed a physical ID.
When Lia saw a baby in the restaurant, she questioned why the child was allowed in, but was told it was because the baby had an adult with them who was over 18. She said: “I am shell-shocked, I have never heard nothing like that in my whole life. So if you want to come here for food, make sure you’ve got ID with you for a burger.”
Restaurant's response
In a statement to the Manchester Evening News, the restaurant doubled down on its policy, explaining it results from its licensing conditions. A spokesperson for GBK said: “Like pubs, clubs and other venues that serve alcohol, the conditions of our current licence state that guests must be aged 18 or over unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
“At times we need to check ID to verify a guest's age to ensure we are complying with the law. We operate a Check 25 policy to ensure we are compliant with our licence. As with pubs and other licensed premises, this means the original physical ID document rather than a photo on a mobile phone, which we are unable to accept.
“We appreciate this can sometimes be disappointing for guests, and we understand the frustration this has caused. However, our team were simply following the requirements of our licence and applying them consistently. While we never want to turn anyone away, we are pleased the guest was able to find an alternative place to eat within the centre.”
