Australian Restaurant Prevents People From Entering If They Have Visible Tattoos Or 'Designer Labeled Apparel'
Have you ever visited a place where certain types of clothes are not allowed? Did you either follow their rules or chose not to go there and find another place that will let you dress freely?
Dress codes might be annoying, especially for people who are not used to wearing clothes they don't feel comfortable wearing, who shed the weight of school dress codes years ago. Still, people should not forget that dress codes exist for a reason.
For example, Saudi Arabia's population is mainly dominated by Muslims who strictly follow Islamic laws. Aside from their religion and conservative culture, people need to dress appropriately to protect themselves from the hot climate and sandstorms when they are outdoors.
On the other hand, in the United States, dress codes might be imposed differently by people. There are specific clothing items to wear in school, workplace, church, and other places where proper attire is required for security purposes, recognizing a person's position, and practicing the art of professionalism.
With their purpose in mind, this restaurant in Sydney had adopted a new dress code to follow all their staff and customers. Their new policy includes banning "visible tattoos," "designer labeled apparel," and "heavy jewelry" to discourage intimidation towards other customers since Sydney-based celebrities and socialites frequent the popular restaurant.
House policy/dress code for customers.
The Bedouin restaurant was run by Poata Okeroa, with Eric Jury and Julian Tobias as her business partners. It is located in Double Bay, Sydney, and was launched just three years ago.
Since then, the Bedouin restaurant has been patronized by celebrities like tennis star Nick Kyrgios, Rita Ora from The Voice, and US actor Scott Eastwood. However, after knowing the implementation of the new dress code, some aren't happy about it.
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What customers think about this.
Among these angry customers is a UK chef named Michael Mcelroy, who had tattoos on his neck and arms and has been in Australia since 2016. He stated in an interview with 7News that he had mentioned this concern to his co-workers and was surprised to know that this was a common practice.
Mr. Mcelroy said, "I've never heard of this policy in Australia; I have head and arm tattoos, and not once when dining out has this come up until recently. Hearing they are now introducing these rules is a shame."
Moreover, Woollahra councilor Richard Shields told Daily Mail Australia that he does not favor this new policy. He said, "I am personally not a fan of tattoos, but I defend people's rights to express themselves in that way."
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Bedouin owner Julian Tobias.
On the other hand, another Woollahra councilor Mary-Lou Jarvis supported this, saying that establishments can implement their own rules as long as they don't breach anti-discrimination laws. She said, "It is a bit like vaccination – proprietors of businesses can choose the type of patronage they want."
In addition, co-licensee Poata Okeroa clarified that this new dress code is for their staff and customers' best interests. "We value our customers and community stakeholders and have always implemented house rules that include a dress policy that discourages intimidating appearances," says Poata.
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Clarification about the new dress code.
As written on the restaurant's website, "Guests with tattoos are welcome at our venue; however, our policy does not permit intimidating, aggressive, or offensive tattoos, clothing or behavior which may offend or intimidate other guests or staff. Tattoos on the neck, head, and face are viewed as increased intimidation in that order - covering up these tattoos does not allow entry."
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Indeed, every place has its own rules, and everyone who wishes to be in it is expected to obey. However, if you think that the rules aren't for you, you can always choose not to go there and find another place where you can feel comfortable and welcome regardless of your clothes and accessories.
What would you do?
