15.04.2026 13:06
A young woman in a wheelchair, who was removed from a nightclub in Manchester on the grounds of 'fire risk,' has claimed discrimination. Footage of the incident, which has caused a major outcry in the country, also sparked debate on social media.
An incident in Manchester, UK, has reignited debates about the accessibility of public spaces for individuals with disabilities. 18-year-old Maddie Haining claimed she was quickly removed from a nightclub she visited with friends and that she faced discrimination.
"I WAS KICKED OUT AFTER JUST 5 MINUTES"
Maddie Haining said that she was escorted out by security personnel just minutes after entering Club Tropicana on Canal Street in the early hours of Saturday morning. Speaking to the Mirror, the young woman described her experience as "inhumane." In footage she shared on social media, two staff members can be seen approaching and speaking to her. Maddie stated that one employee was respectful but described the venue manager's attitude as "rude" and "horrible."
"I'M BEING KICKED OUT BECAUSE I'M IN A WHEELCHAIR"
In the footage, Maddie can be heard saying, "I'm being kicked out of the bar because I'm in a wheelchair." The young woman recounted that the venue manager told her a fine for a potential fire safety violation would be sent to her, to which she reacted.
LAW REMINDED, DEBATE GROWS
Maddie stated that during the incident, she reminded the staff of the 2010 Equality Act and pointed out that access to services for disabled individuals cannot be denied. Despite this, she alleged that the staff insisted she must leave the premises. The young woman said she had no issues entering the venue but was shortly asked to leave citing a "security risk," a reason later changed to "fire risk."
INCIDENT BECOMES A TOPIC ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The video Maddie shared from her social media account quickly reached a wide audience. The post received thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with many users reacting to the situation. Following the incident, Maddie stated she spoke with officials from the venue's operating company and was informed that an "internal investigation has been launched."
STATEMENT FROM THE VENUE
In a statement to the local press, nightclub officials stated that the matter is being investigated internally and they will not comment further at this stage.