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The owner of a north London bar cancelled an international company's Christmas party after organisers asked if it was a gay venue.

Alexander Proud blocked the car brand's event after receiving an email asking for clarification on the issue - because homosexuality is "against some people religion" [sic].

The company, which Proud is not naming, wrote: "We have our Christmas staff party booked for next Friday at Proud.

"Some of our staff have been told that Proud is a gay bar, is that correct?"

The email continued: "We need to know as it's against some people religion so we will need to make them aware."

So this happened. Major International car brand sent this homophobic e mail. Really shocked this still happens. pic.twitter.com/XAGBymJeog — Alex Proud (@AlexanderProud) December 5, 2014

Proud responded to the request within hours to tell the company that their party would be cancelled.

"Gay drinks, gay food, gay loos etc..."

He added: "Sorry to disappoint. Booking cancelled."

@hipstercon @obamuh @Popehat religious customers very welcome. not homophobic idiots hiding behind religion to mask feeble bigotry — Alex Proud (@AlexanderProud) December 5, 2014

He then posted the exchange - with the name of those involved redacted - on Twitter.

"So this happened. Major International car brand sent this homophobic e mail. Really shocked this still happens," he wrote.

He told BuzzFeed the cancellation would cost him thousands of pounds if another company does not book the venue.

He added: "I was relieved to get that email because I wouldn’t have wanted those people in my venue anyway.

"I think some people think homophobia is a thing of the past – there were a lot of people out there who think it’s a fair question. A lot of people think you can justify homophobia using religion."