A BIRMINGHAM bar where English Defence League (EDL) thugs will drink before their march in the city has told staff that they are entitled to stay at home, it emerged yesterday.

Unite Against Fascism (UAF) issued a statement on Tuesday reporting that Bar Risa has told non-white staff they should not come to work on Saturday.

However a statement issued by Bar Risa management yesterday strongly refuted this claim, stating that staff of all backgrounds were told "that it is totally up to them whether they work or not."

Bar managers issued the advice to workers after West Midlands Police told them they must once again host the street gang after doing so last year, because they’re the only bar big enough.

UAF protested the decision, arguing that “customers should be able to enjoy the venue at the times that it is open, catered by their multicultural staff, free from the racist thugs and their abuse which blighted our city last year.”

Last year Bar Risa replied to customer complaints about its association with the fascist group saying: “We do not, have not and will never support the EDL in any way, shape or form.”

The bar argued it had originally declined to host but felt it was “left with no option” after repeated requests from the police.

A statement from West Midlands Police said it has once again requested Bar Risa to open outside hours and welcome the EDL as it is one of the largest venues in the city.

Superintendent Rich Baker added: “This has been a difficult and reluctant decision for the owners and we appreciate the support that Bar Risa is giving to this large-scale and complex policing operation.”

“West Midlands Police do not have any powers to stop any group drinking alcohol pre-protest so having one such venue makes absolute sense,” argued Superintendent Baker.

When contacted by the Morning Star West Midlands police insisted Saturday’s protest was “business as usual.”

A police spokeswoman declined to confirm both the numbers of EDL members expected and the projected number of forces on the ground that day.