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Hundreds of protesters shut down Liberty Avenue in response to bar’s ‘dress code’

PITTSBURGH — About 200 people shut down Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh during a protest Wednesday afternoon.

The protest was in response to a “dress code” that was posted on the windows at 941 Saloon, a bar located near the intersection of Liberty Avenue and Smithfield Street. It’s been there for 16 years.

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Among the things listed on the flyer titled, “Our Policy,” are:

  • No tank tops, cutoffs or sleeveless shirts
  • No hoodies
  • No athletic jerseys without collars
  • All pants must be worn at the waist
  • No bare midriffs
  • No chained wallets
  • No sweat pants
  • Attire must be neat and clean
  • No low hanging pants or exposed underwear
  • No pajamas
  • No gang related insignia
  • No bandannas worn on the head
  • No undershirts worn as shirts

Protesters also claim the owner has banned the word “racism” inside the bar.

When approached by Channel 11, the owner declined to comment. But a worker told Channel 11′s Rick Earle she doesn’t know why people are protesting -- and that the bar is all-inclusive and doesn’t discriminate.

She said the dress code was taken from Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Around 6:15 p.m., protesters began marching down Liberty Avenue. No arrests or incidents were reported.