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The Grand: Motorcycle clubs say bar is giving them a bad rap

Last week, News 8 introduced you to Jeffrey Dilallo, the owner of El Cajon’s The Grand who banned certain motorcycle clubs he said violated his ‘no weapons’ policy.

EL CAJON (NEWS 8) – Last week, News 8 introduced you to Jeffrey Dilallo, the owner of El Cajon’s The Grand who banned certain motorcycle clubs he said violated his ‘no weapons’ policy.

Dilallo told News 8 his ‘no weapons’ policy had led to a boycott by several motorcycle riders, but on Monday some of the motorcycle clubs spoke to News 8 and said the bar owner has it all wrong.

Eight members of different motorcycle clubs from across San Diego spoke to News 8 saying they have joined together to fight what they believe is discrimination.

Dr. Flavious Akerele is a member of a motorcycle club. He and several other riders decided to boycott the bar and gathering spot. It’s a move that comes after the bar’s owner instituted a ban on what he calls “motorcycle gangs.”

“We are hardworking people that just happen to love motorcycles. There is no such thing as a 'motorcycle gang,' – it’s motorcycle clubs,” said Akerele.

He and others claim the policy is misguided because it lumps everyday clubs into a negative stereotype.

“Sounds like he’s been watching too much 'Sons of Anarchy,'" said Akerele.

Dilallo chose not to comment for this story. In News 8’s previous story, he said the policy came after several members of motorcycle clubs ignored his ‘no weapons’ policy.

Riders on Monday claimed they are unaware of any trouble caused by their clubs or others; therefore, they do not understand why the policy was implemented.

“If a surfer goes in there [The Grand] and makes a ruckus, are you going to ban that surfer or the whole community of surfers? It is kind of the same point,” said one rider. 

News 8 asked a group of riders, who weren't part of the motorcycle clubs causing trouble at The Grand, why they were part of the boycott.

The riders responded, “If you have a friend that's a certain religion and you're a different religion and a place won't let them in, are you still going to go where you're going and leave them by the waist side? Or, (are) you going (to) stand by them?”

Dr. Akerele said he tried to sit down with the owner to see if they could find common ground but that has not happened yet.

The ‘no weapons’ policy remains in place.

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