Local Bouncer Steps Up to Help Businesses Amid Riot Fears

A 20-year-old man named Ethan is out in the city centre, helping businesses prepare for potential riots by boarding up their doors and windows.

Ethan, who works as a bouncer, decided to lend a hand as worries grow over possible violence in the area. With reports of far-right riots happening across the county, including Brighton, he wanted to do his part.

“I usually work as a bouncer, but I enjoy DIY work, so I thought I’d help out,” Ethan said. “I started by offering to put up boards for a pub called the Royal Standard, and then suddenly everyone was asking for help.”

Many businesses in the area are foreign-owned, and Ethan is aware that the presence of menus in different languages could make some people feel uneasy, potentially leading to trouble.

He mentioned, “I’m doing this at a good price, without charging VAT or anything like that. I just want to help out as much as I can.”

For Ethan, supporting these local businesses is crucial. “These guys are the backbone of our society in Brighton. It’s such a multicultural place; people can come here and be themselves without feeling judged,” he explained.

As he boarded up a small noodle shop, Ethan expressed his commitment to preventing any damage: “We have to make sure the damage that anyone causes is limited.”

The shop owners have been very grateful, treating him kindly with drinks, and he even tried a Chinese iced tea for the first time. “You definitely wouldn’t catch anyone from the EDL having one of those,” he joked.

Due to the uncertain situation, several businesses have opted to close early for the safety of their staff, with places like the NHS Sussex walk-in centre in Hastings shutting down at 5 PM today.