Based on minstrels from the 18th century, golly dolls are regarded as offensive, prejudiced caricatures of black people. The proprietors of the pub claim that the figures are part of their “childhood history.”
A pub in Essex that refuses to remove its collection of golly figurines will no longer be featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide or be eligible for the guide’s awards.
The White Hart in Greys, Essex, was visited by police after receiving a report that someone felt racially harassed, alarmed, or distressed due to the presence of the figurines. The dolls were subsequently removed.
The proprietors of the pub insist they are not racist, stating that the dolls are “childhood history”
Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), a British pub recognition organization, has announced that the establishment in question will no longer be considered for future awards or inclusion in its annual Good Pub Guide.
“Baffling that any pub would continue to discriminate against customers,” the organisation tweeted. Or potential customers by displaying offensive material.”
“We have had clear national guidelines in place since 2018 that no pub should be considered for an award. If it displays offensive or discriminatory content on the premises or social media associated with the pub,” the statement continued.
“We are currently investigating why this guidance was disregarded by our South West Essex branch, and have instructed them not to consider the White Hart, Greys, Essex, for future awards or inclusion in our Good Beer Guide as long as these discriminatory dolls remain on display.”
Camra also modified the pub’s online description to say “has chosen to display discriminatory and offensive material.”
It claimed that the pub’s previous self-submitted description was problematic and minimized the objectionable nature of the displayed materials.
The Home Office source said Suella Braverman considered the police action a waste of money.
“The views of the home secretary have been made abundantly clear to Essex Police, so they have no illusions. They stated that police forces should not be embroiled in such nonsense.
It’s about combating antisocial behavior, preventing violence against women and girls, responding to break-ins, and apprehending perpetrators, not seizing dolls.
Essex Police denied that the home minister had contacted them.
On LBC, Policing Minister Chris Philp said it was “up to the police to determine how they respond to incidents.”
