Nightclub turns MK away

Likud party MK Miri Regev couldn’t make it past the velvet rope at a prestigious Tel Aviv nightclub Thursday, that is, until she threatened the club’s owners.

Regev was on a tour of the city’s bars and clubs to examine the widespread use of selection, or denial of access. It’s especially egregious, according to her, when the process prevents IDF soldiers from entering places.

When she reached the Clara club in the city’s beachside Dolphinarium complex, the MK, infamous for her outspoken criticism of Israel’s African migrant community, was blocked by bouncers at the door. Despite her attempt to reason with the guards, Regev was rejected repeatedly.

Finally, after summoning the owner of the Clara club and reminding him that the Tel Aviv Municipality had recently proposed a law to impose penalties on clubs and bars found guilty of selection, Regev was allowed onto the dance floor.

According to the planned law, venues engaged in selection could be deprived of their business licenses.

In a YouTube clip from the scene (in Hebrew), Regev is seen blasting the practice of selection and calling on Tel Aviv establishments to refrain from using such methods.

“Selection is the ugly side of Israeli society,” Regev said. “When soldiers from the best units in the IDF who protect the country are not allowed into clubs, that is shameful,” she added.