Australian Restaurant Prevents People From Entering If They Have Visible Tattoos Or 'Designer Labeled Apparel'
Dress codes are everywhere, and it's important to be aware of what is expected of you when you go somewhere as a guest, customer, student, or even employee.
Have you ever visited a place where certain types of clothing are not allowed? Did you either follow their rules or choose not to go there and find another place that would let you dress freely?
Dress codes might be annoying, especially for people who are not used to wearing clothes they don't feel comfortable in, 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 predominantly Muslim, and they 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 various people. There are specific clothing items required in schools, workplaces, churches, and other places where proper attire is necessary for security purposes, recognizing a person's position, and practicing the art of professionalism.
With this purpose in mind, a restaurant in Sydney has adopted a new dress code that applies to all their staff and customers. Their new policy includes banning "visible tattoos," "designer labeled apparel," and "heavy jewelry" to discourage intimidation towards other customers, as Sydney-based celebrities and socialites frequently visit the popular restaurant.
House policy/dress code for customers.
The Bedouin restaurant is 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 learning about the implementation of the new dress code, some customers are unhappy about it.
Richard DobsonWhat customers think about this.
Among these dissatisfied customers is a UK chef named Michael Mcelroy, who has tattoos on his neck and arms and has been in Australia since 2016. He stated in an interview with 7News that he mentioned this concern to his co-workers and was surprised to learn 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."
BedouinBedouin 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 in the best interests of their staff and customers. "We value our customers and community stakeholders and have always implemented house rules that include a dress policy discouraging intimidating appearances," says Poata.
Facebook/Julian Tobias
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 that 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."
Richard Dobson
Indeed, every place has its own rules, and everyone who wishes to be there 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?
