Bars spar over traditional flat caps

CHORLEY, England, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- A British bar responded to a rival's ban on traditional flat caps by putting up a sign to welcome the headgear, along with "clogs and whippets."

Danny Howell, owner of Trader Jacks in Chorley, England, said his bar put up signs to welcome flat caps after they were banned by newly opened nearby rival Pearsons, The Mirror reported Monday.

"We do not discriminate against flat caps. Clogs and whippets also welcome," the sign reads.

"Some think they hide people's identity. We welcome them," Howell said. "We've had a lot of people moaning about it who come in. So my business partner Johny wrote on the window and put a bit on Facebook and everyone's having a laugh about it. Someone told us to put clogs and whippets on too. It's mainly because lots of places don't allow caps anymore."

Gary Roberts, operations director at Amber Taverns, owner of Pearsons, said the ban is about manners.

"The main background is when any gentleman used to go into anyone's home they normally remove their hat," Roberts said. "It's just something we've always done."

"And if they don't take their hats off, they won't feel the benefit when they go outside," Roberts said.