Shobha De, columnist: Racism is not new, even in Mumbai. Many South African students have staged agitations in the past protesting racial discrimination by Indians in college campuses, hostels and even public places. We are so colour conscious that even in matrimonial columns, we find advertisements calling for fair brides and grooms. We need to examine our race consciousness and learn to think positively.

Salil Ankola, cricketer: Blacks also have the right to live and enjoy life. I have never been to Leo's, but if I ever had such an experience with my African friends, I would quit the place and never come back.

Mishal Verma, radio discjockey: This is ridiculous. The government should ban the place because it has no right to discriminate on the basis of colour. Personally, I will never visit Leopold again.

Arshad Warsi, actor: Being thrown out for misbehaviour is one thing, but not allowing people inside simply because they are Black is something else. I would definitely think twice before going to Leo's again.

Sunil Shetty, actor: If this is a policy decision by the management, it is definitely unfair. What's the difference between us and the British then? I think the Hoteliers' Association should look into the matter. I think boycotting the restaurant would deter the management from such decisions.

Marc Robinson, model: This is no way to treat people. We are behaving as if we are living in the 19th century.

Sanjay Narang, hotelier: People who are trouble makers should definitely be kept out, but there can be no generalisation on the basis of race or community.

Tom Alter: To stop anybody onthe basis of colour is against the law and totally unethical. In fact, it's against the concept of India.