Calls to end tattoo ‘discrimination’ at nightclubs and party venues
There are calls to end tattoo ‘discrimination’ at nightclubs and party venues on the Gold Coast.
A local tattoo artist says the ban on people with tattoos entering venues is hurting the region’s tourist reputation, reports The Courier-Mail.
Calls to end tattoo ‘discrimination’
Recently, the popular Burleigh Pavilion refused entry to Mortal Kombat 2 actor Martyn Ford and The Bachelor’s Jed McIntosh.
Last month, the same waterfront venue was forced to apologise to a Gold Coast mum after she was refused entry because of her back tattoo.
Previously, Burleigh Pavilion also refused entry to businessman Daniel Lowry, who has a large rose tattoo on his neck, during his honeymoon.
“Once we had to pick up the whole family and just walk around in the city until we found somewhere else to go and eat,” Mr Lowry said.
“Times like that, it’s very frustrating because the reasoning makes absolutely zero sense to me. I should be able to dine at a restaurant with my family.”
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‘Ridiculous’ policies
Celebrity Ink general manager, Tanya Byrne, described “no tattoo” policies as “ridiculous”.
She told The Courier-Mail that the bans are hurting the Gold Coast’s reputation as a tourist location.
“Tattoos are no longer taboo. They are mainstream now and part of Australian culture,” Ms Byrne said.
“People tell their story through fashion, accessories, cosmetic procedures and also on their skin.
“It’s ridiculous that venues are still discriminating and refusing entry to law-abiding, everyday Australians because they choose what is their personal right.”
The Burleigh Pavilion refused entry to Mortal Kombat 2 actor Martyn Ford.
Personal stories
“Tattoos are no longer taboo. They are mainstream now and part of Australian culture,” Ms Byrne said.
“People tell their story through fashion, accessories, cosmetic procedures and also on their skin.
“It’s ridiculous that venues are still discriminating and refusing entry to law-abiding, everyday Australians because they choose what is their personal right.”
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Bans target bikies
According to Burleigh Pavilion’s policy, while guests with tattoos are permitted entry, if they are deemed “intimidating, aggressive or offensive” that guest will not be allowed in.
The bans were first introduced in 2014 to stop organised bikie gangs from meeting.
Meanwhile, discrimination lawyer Stephen Dryley-Collins said tattoos are not a protected attribute under Queensland discrimination legislation.
“Unless a person can prove their tattoos are part of their race or cultural heritage – which are protected attributes – then they don’t have a legal leg to stand on,” Mr Dryley-Collins said.
Last year, the Queensland Human Rights Commission’s (QHRC) considered including tattoos in its expanded list of protected attributes.
Ultimately, it did not recommend the change for a “variety of reasons”, according to a spokesperson.
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