Solo fans complain about security checks

The final dinner party said they were “shocked and disappointed” by a venue’s security policy, which viewers said discriminated against men, particularly those who went alone.

Some fans claim they were pulled aside by door staff at Lincoln’s Engine Shed on Saturday and asked what they were doing at the show and if they were real fans.

The venue has apologized, saying the policy was in response to messages they received about an “incident” at a previous show, but admitted it resulted in “unacceptable treatment of some guests”.

The final dinner party pulled out of the show at the last minute because one of the band was unwell.

Kam Zaki, 46, who attended the show on Saturday, said he was pulled aside by security and told he had to leave if he didn’t agree to be searched.

In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, he described the search as “thorough”.

“They took everything out of my pockets, searched my wallet, including my coin purse, and searched my shoes,” he said.

He said he was also asked questions such as: “How long have you liked this band? What is your favorite song? How many times have you seen them before?”

Cam, who lives in Brighton, traveled to Lincoln for the gig as it was the only time he could see the band without having to take time off work.

He said he was “very angry” when the search and interrogation finally ended after five to 10 minutes.

“I appreciate that they’re trying to create a safe space,” he said. “But this is outrageous and absolutely discriminatory against men who come alone.”

Other fans on social media reported similar experiences.

One user on X said the questions made him feel “like a mastermind,” while another said he felt “disgusted” after being “interrogated.”

The Last Dinner Party said fans “understandably felt uncomfortable and disrespected”.

“We welcome and encourage everyone to attend our shows,” they said.

“We are shocked and disappointed that anyone would feel differently.

“We want to make it clear that these policies are developed and enforced at the venue’s discretion and not in consultation with us.”

The band also apologized for temporarily canceling performances due to a “sudden illness.”

The Engine Shed did not provide further details about what happened at the last show they mentioned in their statement and BBC Newsbeat has contacted them for further information.

Police in Greater Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow and Northumbria, who monitor venues where the band played its early gigs, told Newsbeat they had received no reports of any incidents.

Other police forces contacted by Newsbeat for other tour dates have not yet been able to provide information.

The Engine Shed, based at the University of Lincoln, said it would review all reports of incidents that occurred and encouraged anyone who felt they had been discriminated against to contact us.

A spokesman for the venue said in a statement that its admission policy “requires that all attendees are treated equally and adhere to the same admission requirements.”

They said they carried out an “urgent preliminary investigation” on Sunday which revealed the access policy had been changed “temporarily”.

“While the change in policy was made with the right intentions, this change has resulted in some guests being treated in an unacceptable manner and The Engine Shed deeply regrets this.”

The Last Dinner Party said they were not informed of the changes to the access policy in advance, saying the changes “do not reflect our beliefs and would not have been implemented had we been informed in advance.”

They welcomed the venue’s apology and investigation as well as “further staff training to ensure this never happens again”.

Last supper, who Winner of BBC Radio 1 Voice of the Year Award 2024canceled their Lincoln show at the last minute after their support act had already completed their set.

They also had to cancel their gig in Cardiff on Sunday.

Cam said even if the Lincoln show was rescheduled, he would ask for a refund because of how he was treated.

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