I am writing to confirm the behavior of the owner of 57 Heaven. Darrell Leake likes to believe that 57 Heaven is a private club, and not a business open to the public, and is very discriminating on who he allows in his "club". If he takes a personal dislike to a patron, for any reason, he "bans" them from the club - which to the best of my knowledge is not acceptable in the world of business. You don't get to pick and choose whom you serve based on your personal likes and dislikes. Or do you?
His establishment is not a dues paying private club - but a for profit retail center for alcohol sales and for entertainment sales (as they do charge a cover) - and yet Darrell will keep people from coming in if they "misbehave" - in manners such as he discovers they have attended another establishment for entertainment if that is a competitor of his, or if they are former employees who left for a better opportunity elsewhere. I remember one night when a group of patrons entered who were not caucasion - Mr. Leake insisted on having the DJ play music that he hoped would dissuade this group from remaining (the supposition of a certain race only being interested in a certain type of music is at the very least racist - and the very most - discrimination).
I have seen him lose his temper at the slightest provocation - sometimes something as innocent as a patron not being a Gator Fan. Sometimes about them flirting with someone he deems his personal property. And sometimes just because he is having a bad night. This used to be a fun club - clean and upbeat, and really happening! But now it is tired and haggard, and only open a couple of nights a week. Perhaps there is a reason for this.
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