(Saint James Power Station is a sort of multiplex night club in Singapore, with different themed outlets under one roof. It really DID use to be a power station, hence the name.)

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Hi,

I was at Movida in the early hours of 24th January 2009 to meet some friends. Dressed in a dark long sleeved shirt, a black kilt, knee-high socks and leather shoes, I was sure that I met the minimum dress code. Imagine my surprise when an employee at the door told me that club policy only allows people from the 'country of origin' to wear the kilt. Naturally I protested, and he referred me to the manager. The lady manager asked me a series of questions: was I from Scotland, was there a special occasion, etc, to all of which I answered 'No.' I see no relevance what any of that had to do with my choice of attire. She seemed a bit baffled, but relented and admitted me to the club.

I must say first off, that the staff members were courteous and professional in their conduct. This letter is not about them. It is about the alleged 'club policy'. Is it true that St James Power Station has such a policy on guests wearing kilts? If so, I am afraid you have set your employees up for an onerous and thankless job. Let me elaborate: How will the door staff determine who is entitled to wear the kilt? Will kilted guests have to produce ID proving Scottish residency? What of people of Scottish descent born in other countries? A genealogical record might be in order.

St James Power Station is of course within its rights to enforce any rule it deems proper. All I ask is a clarification of this policy. I would hate to have to go through an 'entrance exam' every time I turn up in a kilt. Until then, perhaps I'll just stick to T-shirts and jeans when I visit your establishment.

Yours
Cheng Chee Hoew