Club apologises after Royton woman removed 'for being in a wheelchair'

An 18-year-old woman from Royton says she was removed from a Manchester nightclub for being in a wheelchair, sparking outrage and an apology from the venue. Maddison Haining, known as Maddie, shared her experience at Club Tropicana in the Gay Village on Instagram, where her post quickly went viral. She claims staff told her to leave 'for being in a wheelchair' and that the manager threatened to send her any fines they received because of her presence.

The club has now issued a statement signed by the business owners, apologising to Ms Haining for the 'stress and embarrassment' she experienced. They say their investigation found the venue has no disabled access, being on the first floor up a flight of steps. According to their account, security staff informed Ms Haining about the lack of access, and her friends carried her upstairs on their backs before her wheelchair was brought up separately.

The owners say the manager was concerned for her safety and others' in case of an emergency evacuation on a busy Saturday night. They maintain they've never been advised the building breaches the Equality Act 2010. The statement describes Ms Haining's treatment as 'completely indefensible, unacceptable and appalling' and says the club is reviewing its training protocols and accessibility measures.

Ms Haining had previously told the club she knew her rights under the Equality Act 2010, saying 'I've shown them the law, I've said you can't refuse me because I'm in a wheelchair.' The incident has raised questions about accessibility in Manchester's nightlife and how venues handle disabled customers, with the club's apology coming after Ms Haining formally complained on April 14.