City’s ‘Ugly Law’ May Turn Away Tourists
But not this one.
The San Francisco Dungeon has resurrected the historic San Francisco “ugly law” and issued an official ban on ugly people from entering the attraction. Those deemed “ugly” will be turned away to the streets.
Originated in 1867, the law was created in response to a proliferation of beggars and vagrants on the streets. It stated anyone deemed an “unsightly or disgusting object will not be allowed to enter an establishment or public place.”
Although San Francisco pioneered the law, other cities followed suit including Omaha, Nebraska, New Orleans, Louisiana, Cleveland, Reno, Nevada and Portland, Oregon. The law was most recently repealed in Chicago in 1974.
“Over the years, San Francisco shied away from the segregation of ugly people. To that we say, ‘Pshaw!’ That’s why we’re reviving it so we can eliminate unsightly folk from our establishment. We may be banning the ugly, but it could be worse—we could be fining them, too,” said Dalia Goldgor, general manager, The San Francisco Dungeon, referencing a Chicago ordinance from 1881 which imposed fines on the ugly.
In reality, this is a good PR stunt and it’s unlikely the Dungeon will actually turn away anyone. The attraction, located , is a series of “dark” themed adventures (Barbary Coast, Gold Rush Greed, Escape Alcatraz Drop Ride, Miss Piggott’s Saloon among them) acted out by characters.
Tickets are $17-20 on line and $26 at the door.
Link: www.thedungeons.com/san-francisco
Address & Map: 145 Jefferson St., #500
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