Stages Nightclub — Restaurant in Ontario

Terrible, Racist, and Unprofessional Experience at STAGES

I have traveled across the globe, visited clubs in many countries, and NEVER experienced such blatant discrimination and hostility as I did at STAGES. This place is a NIGHTMARE, and I am appalled by the sheer unprofessionalism and RACIST behavior I encountered.

I was minding my own business, sitting down, when I was suddenly targeted and thrown out for no valid reason. I wasn’t drunk, causing a scene, or breaking any rules—just sitting down, and yet I was treated like a criminal. The fact that I was the only Indian person in sight makes this even more suspicious. I’ve been to clubs on almost every continent, but this incident was straight-up disgusting. If I had a different skin color, would this have happened? The answer seems pretty clear.

To make matters worse, when I clearly told the staff to not touch me, they physically pushed me out! I was shocked at how aggressively they handled the situation, even though I was being completely calm and respectful. Meanwhile, people who were actually fighting inside the club were NOT thrown out! They were allowed to continue their night while I was being manhandled and kicked out for simply sitting down.

The staff at STAGES are rude, hostile, and RACIST. I felt like they went out of their way to make me uncomfortable and singled me out. This is supposed to be a place where people can come and have fun, but instead, it feels like they’re judging you the moment you walk in, looking for reasons to throw you out. It’s 2024, and this kind of treatment is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE. How do you run a business where you make certain people feel unwelcome just because of where they’re from?

I wouldn't recommend STAGES to anyone—especially if you’re a person of color. There are PLENTY of better clubs in the world where you’ll be treated with respect, no matter your race or ethnicity. STAGES is a disgrace, and I will NEVER return. Save yourself the time and money, and take your business to a place that treats ALL customers with dignity.

Do...

My review may sharply contrast with the aforementioned. Perhaps, it's because I never consumed much alcohol. I have an Aversion to alcohol, given my host of allergies. I lived in close proximity to this venue, while I was completing my Master of Science degree in Physiotherapy. Admittedly, the decor is a bit tawdry and outdated. There is often an indistinguishable odour permeating the air. However, this is endemic to most bars. Moreover, the playlist is a mishmash of retro hits. This includes Garth Brooks/TuPac/NYSYNC compilations. If you have an adept concept of rhythm, tone and pitch you may be able to move to the beat. Unfortunately, waving your hand in the air, and shuffling your legs as if they are gangly tree logs isn't exactly 'entrancing'. Isn't that the default move of most men? How cliche and awkward.

Occasionally, NHL players attend here. Their purpose is circumstantial. Ordinarily, they don't frequent Stages during the Regular season. They have no time with 82 games to play in 7 months. Moreover, they attend rigorous training regimes during the off-season in Kingston because they own property here. Although, due to privacy and confidentiality laws, names can't be stated. Being embroiled in years of multi-millionaire dollar lawsuits doesn't bode well for your future.

However, the staff here have an outstanding 'no photos'policy. This is fastidiously enforced by removing photo-bombers from the venue and smashing cellphones into a zillion pieces.I can only say laudable remarks about their approach to Security.It should be adopted at analogous venues...

I’ve been going to this place for 9 years now, back in the day it was ran great! Coat check always available, security being actual security and knowing the difference between the rights of guests and workings. Now it seems they hire security with little to no experience that places power over their job. With a line expanding going into the metro parking lots because they want to let groups of girls cut the line with is compromising the people in the line. I’ve seen not only myself, but other people getting kicked out for standing their ground. If we mention that we noticed they let girls cut, we get threatened to not get let in if we continue to talk about it with the security, told to leave for leaving our jacket in a spot that is secure. ( including over 20+ more jackets) since coat check is not an option any longer, nor has it been with quite some time now which is leading people to find other options to store there jacket. The place gets very hot with the amount of people in the building, so having a thick jacket on is not the healthiest choice. People get shunned out about tips, not acknowledged, and kicked out for nothing. You can have a great experience there, if the staff isn’t choosing power over their position, get acknowledged and not kicked out for literally doing NOTHING. I go to alot of different clubs and I can confidently admit, that this is run by children and not worth spending your money. The security makes the experience...