THEY’RE worn by global ­superstars including Beyonce and Kanye West but one popular inner west bar has banned its patrons from wearing Nike footwear ­because they’re more often than not worn by “drug dealers, gang members and ­undesirables”.

Seb Aylmer, 32, attempted to enter Newtown venue The Bank following dinner with three friends last month but was turned away because of his Nike Air Max shoes.

“I got to the door and I walked up and showed my ID and the guy said, ‘sorry, you can’t come in, you are wearing Air Max’. I thought he was joking, I thought it had to be a prank,” he said.

media_camera The Bank Hotel in Newtown has banned patrons wearing Nike trainers from entering the pub.

A dismayed Mr Aylmer then left the bar and went home to vent his frustration on the bar’s Facebook page.

“I got home and logged onto their Facebook page and wrote a ­review saying, ‘I can’t believe you have banned a shoe type, it’s ridiculous’,” he said.

“I asked them if they ­actually had this ban or was it that they didn’t like me, or gay people ... I still couldn’t ­believe it.

“They sent me a response back saying: ‘I know it can be difficult to understand as we all want to wear our runners out sometimes as its ­comfortable.

“However, these types of footwear are more often than not worn by less than ­desirable patrons. By that I mean they are gang members at worst case scenario, or just young men you think are gang members.

“I can honestly guarantee you that almost every single person I’ve caught selling drugs on the premises or has picked a fight has been wearing those shoes.

“Seb, you are always welcome in our hotel. We simply ask that you assist us in keeping out the wrong sorts of people by not wearing your TNs or ­Airmaxs.

“I know it sounds silly but it really does work.”

When The Sunday Telegraph asked the venue whether they had banned their clientele from wearing Nike footwear, a spokeswoman said: “We don’t have any comments to add to this discussion other than that we do have a dress code, which is intended to help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all our guests.”

media_camera The response Mr Alymer received when he posted a review on The Bank’s Facebook page.

Mr Alymer said he will now “think twice before I wear my ‘dodgy’ shoes,” but refutes claims they’re synonymous with “undesirables”.

“I bought them in the UK last year for $150,” he said.

“They are trendy shoes.

“I work in the city and I reckon if I stood on a city ­corner for 10 minutes, I would see three or four people ­wearing them, they are a popular shoe. I guess I’ll have to think twice before I wear my ‘dodgy’ shoes next time I am out.”

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Nike did not want to comment on the story.