A reality TV star, Jaden Laing, attempted to enter a Gold Coast pub, the Burleigh Pavilion, despite the pub’s strict tattoo policy that denies entry to people with intimidating, aggressive, or offensive tattoos, even if they are not visible. Laing, who has prominent tribal tattoos on his upper body and neck, tried to bypass the rule by wearing a black turtleneck to cover his ink. However, a staff member immediately noticed his tattoos and asked him to show his neck, which he refused to do.
The staff member insisted that Laing show his neck to enter the pub, as tattoos above the shoulder are not permitted according to the venue’s policy. Despite Laing’s attempt to cover up his tattoos, the manager explained that this was not allowed and that they needed to see if there were any tattoos on his neck. The incident was calm and cordial, ending with handshakes and an apology from Laing. The pub’s policy of refusing entry to individuals with tattoos above the shoulder has sparked conversations about whether such rules should still exist in 2024.
The Burleigh Pavilion’s website states that their policy is in place to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all guests, and tattoos on the neck, head, and face are viewed as increased intimidation. The venue reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone they deem unsuitable for entry based on their tattoos, clothing, or behavior. This strict stance on tattoos has led to previous incidents where individuals were turned away, sparking discussions about the fairness and potential discrimination of such policies.
One previous incident involved a mother who was denied entry due to tattoos on her upper back and lower neck, which led to backlash and apologies from the venue. The reaction to Laing’s video, which garnered over 700,000 views and 12,000 comments, has been largely critical of the pub’s policy. Many have expressed surprise that such rules are still in place in 2024 and questioned the discriminatory nature of the policy. Some commenters have defended the venue, stating that rules are rules, while others have pointed out inconsistencies in the enforcement of the policy.
The conversation around the Burleigh Pavilion’s tattoo policy has raised questions about the relevance and fairness of such restrictions in modern society. As more individuals express support for diversity and acceptance of various forms of self-expression, strict rules like those at the Burleigh Pavilion may face increased scrutiny. The incident involving Jaden Laing has brought attention to the issue and sparked discussions about the implications of tattoo policies in public spaces. Ultimately, the debate surrounding tattoo policies highlights broader conversations about inclusivity, discrimination, and the changing social norms of our time.References:
1. https://www.nca.newsbank.com/
2. https://newslibrary.com/
