On August 30, 2023, ITV News reported that Gary Allen, the owner of Skegness’ Alice in Wonderland-themed Hatters Hotel, was at the center of a controversial decision. Allen rejected a Home Office request to house asylum seekers, which resulted in financial losses and public discourse.
Despite facing canceled bookings and significant losses, Allen maintained that his decision was guided by a strong moral compass.
He declined two offers from the Home Office to house 52 immigrants for a 12-month period, which would have required minimal operational involvement from the hotel staff. Instead, Allen chose to prioritize his ethical beliefs, stating that “We turned it down because it’s the right thing to do. If we take, you’re part of the problem, not part of the solution.”
Skegness witnessed an influx of asylum seekers in 2021, with several hotels accommodating them. Today, about 400 asylum seekers live in four hotels in the town. Allen believ
es that his business has suffered due to the public’s perception of asylum seekers in the town.
He has received cancellations from potential guests who are concerned about their presence. Allen’s decision has put his resolve to the test, balancing humanitarian efforts and commercial interests.
Despite the undeniable financial consequences of his decision, he remains steadfast in his conviction that he made the right choice. Allen’s stance highlights the debate around the role of private entities in addressing societal challenges such as the asylum seeker crisis.
Gary Allen’s decision prompts us to reflect on the intricate interplay between individual values, social responsibilities, and financial considerations. The Skegness Hatters Hotel story serves as a microcosm of a broader global debate about how societies should approach issues of displacement and asylum.
In a world where moral and financial motivations often collide, Allen’s refusal to compromise his principles challenges us to reconsider the roles we play in shaping our communities.
The fallout he faces, both financially and reputationally, forces us to question whether ethical decisions can coexist harmoniously with business success. The story of Skegness Hatters Hotel goes beyond the confines of a coastal town, serving as a tale of a business owner who stood by his convictions, sparking conversations that resonate far beyond Skegness.
