Community Corner
Hampton Parade Committee Responds to Chop Shop Denial
Experience Hampton has released a statement to shed light on the decision to block the biker bar from the Christmas parade.
Members of Experience Hampton Inc. released a statement Saturday on their decision to reject the Chop Shop Pub's request to have a float and motorcycles in the annual Hampton Christmas Parade next weekend.
The decision has drawn a sizable amount of criticism in the community, and the Chop Shop, a Seabrook bar frequented by bikers, claims it is being discriminated against because the parade committee doesn't like the biker image.
Experience Hampton's statement, posted above, explains that the decision not to include the Chop Shop this year has to do with safety issues at two past Hampton parades.
Chop Shop owner Bill Niland has said on online social media accounts that he wasn't given an explanation for the denial when it arrived Wednesday, and as of Friday he hadn't been given an opportunity to meet with Experience Hampton to discuss the issue.
"I believe that this can be worked out if I am allowed to respond, reply and understand the concerns," said Niland in one of the Youtube videos posted by his business.
The business has started an online petition to rally support for its inclusion, and the petition had over 300 signatures as of Saturday.
Patch will have more on this story. In the meantime, where do you stand on the issue? Should the Chop Shop be allowed to participate, or do you think the previous infractions attributed to the business are sufficient grounds for their denial? Please tell us in the comments below.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
