Devon House restaurant denies racism claim after shorts dress-code dispute

A restaurant in the Kingston area is pushing back against accusations that race influenced a dress-code dispute with a Jamaican content creator.

Steakhouse on the Veranda said posts circulating online did not accurately reflect what happened. The restaurant stated: “Steakhouse on the Veranda is deeply disappointed that a dress code incident on 15 October 2025 has been misrepresented online as racism.”

The matter gained wide attention after creator CindiMarvelous posted a video alleging she was not allowed into Steakhouse on the Veranda at Devon House because she had on shorts, while other women dressed in a similar way were permitted inside.

Her video used Bob Marley’s song “War”, which focuses on race and equality, and carried the caption: “I was told by a restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica, that I could not enter because I was wearing shorts, then this happened”. The clip then showed several women leaving the same restaurant in shorts of different lengths, along with images of the entrance and a notice saying the dress code is strictly enforced.

The post also featured screenshots said to be from an exchange with the restaurant. In those messages, staff denied that racism was involved and apologised, explaining that “it was not communicated that our dress code does not allow for short shorts which expose the backside”.

CindiMarvelous replied that her shirt was longer than her shorts, and compared her outfit with one worn by a woman she said was of Asian heritage who was seen leaving the restaurant.

Reaction on TikTok and Instagram was split. Some Jamaicans said the incident reflected frustration over unequal treatment when rules are applied across race and class lines. Others focused on whether the creator’s shorts were too short for the venue.

Several commenters argued that whatever the length of the clothing, the same standard should apply to every patron.

In its public response on social media, the restaurant accepted that aspects of the encounter could have been better handled, but insisted discrimination was not behind the decision.

“We regret that the guest left with a negative experience and acknowledge that some of our language could have been handled more carefully,” the restaurant said.

“As a black family-owned Jamaican business, we apply our longstanding dress code equally to all guests, regardless of race or background. After reviewing security footage and staff accounts, we stand by our team’s actions and reject claims of discrimination,” it added.