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.
A Sydney restaurant is making headlines for a dress code that goes far beyond the usual no-shorts-or-flip-flops rules. This time, visible tattoos, designer labeled apparel, and heavy jewelry are all on the list of what guests should not wear.
The policy is meant to keep the atmosphere from feeling intimidating, especially since celebrities and socialites are said to frequent the venue. That has left plenty of people wondering whether the restaurant is protecting its image or going too far with its standards.
Either way, the new rules have sparked a lot of conversation, and the reaction has been anything but quiet.
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."
BedouinThis is also like the friend who brought their own food to an expensive restaurant, and then argued about splitting the bill.
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 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?
That dress code is already getting people talking.
For another restaurant standoff, see who got labeled “the A-hole” over a fair bill split.
