Woman in Wheelchair Ejected from Manchester Nightclub Over 'Fire Risk' Allegations
A young woman who uses a wheelchair has publicly criticised a prominent Manchester nightclub after claiming she was forcibly removed from the premises because her mobility aid was deemed a "fire risk." Maddie Haining, an 18-year-old social media influencer, described the incident at Club Tropicana on Canal Street as "dehumanising" and a clear violation of disability rights legislation.
Confrontation with Management
According to Haining, the altercation occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, shortly after she entered the venue with friends. She reported that door staff initially assisted her without issue, but within minutes, security personnel returned to inform her that the manager had ordered her removal due to safety concerns.
"The manager said I have to leave because my chair is a safety risk, but could not tell me how or why," Haining recounted. "I said this is discrimination. It then changed and he said it's because I'm a fire risk."
In video footage shared on her Instagram account under the handle maddieiswheelycool, Haining can be seen confronting two staff members. She characterised one employee as "respectful" but described the manager as "horrible" and "rude," alleging he threatened to forward any potential fire regulation fines directly to her.
Legal Standoff
Haining responded by citing the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits denying access to facilities based on wheelchair use. She emphasised that venues are required to have fire safety plans accommodating both disabled and able-bodied individuals.
"It is illegal for them to remove a disabled person from premises over 'fire risk' under the Equality Act 2010," she stated. Despite her legal arguments, staff allegedly insisted she "still have to remove me" and "can't stay here."
The manager reportedly altered the justification multiple times, later claiming Haining's companion had been drinking and could not assist her—an assertion Haining denied, noting her friend had purchased a Coca-Cola at the bar.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the incident, Haining communicated with two directors from the bar's operating company, who confirmed they had launched an internal investigation into the manager's conduct and the circumstances surrounding the ejection.
"I'm glad to hear they're investigating," Haining said, expressing hope for accountability and policy changes. The nightclub's owners have been approached for comment but have not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
This case highlights ongoing accessibility challenges in the hospitality sector and raises questions about compliance with disability discrimination laws in entertainment venues across the United Kingdom.
