Claire Reid
A mum-of-two says she was rejected from a venue after wearing a dress that showed off the tattoos on the back of her neck.
Katie Hally, from Gold Coast in Australia, says she was turned away from the Burleigh Pavilion at the weekend, with a member of door staff telling her it was due to the tattoos she had on display.
Katie, who was out to celebrate a friend’s birthday, has a tattoo that runs down her neck featuring Chinese lettering that she says translates to the words ‘family, love, happiness’.
Speaking to the Gold Coast Bulletin, Katie says as she tried to enter the building a member of security said to her: “We’re very sorry but we can’t let you in because of your neck tattoos. I’m going to call the manager down to talk to you.”
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The mum-of-two also said she was advised that if she wanted to return to the venue, she should wear an outfit that covers the ink.
She admitted that she would have ‘loved to have not returned’ but as it was her friend’s special day, she decided to go home and get changed.
Explaining the meaning behind her tattoos, Katie told the publication: “I got the first one, ‘happiness’, almost thirteen years ago after I got divorced.
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“The second one, ‘family,’ I got done with my sister, and the third one I did last, ‘love,’ in the hopes I could find love again.
“I understand why the policy exists, but the manager could have used her discretion, she could have been more caring and assessed people on a case-by-case basis but they didn’t.”
She added: “It was just so disappointing and insulting.
“I’m a law-abiding citizen. I didn’t come here for a bar fight and they would have known that if they just asked a couple of questions.”
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According to Burleigh Pavilion’s policy, guests with tattoos are permitted entry as long as the inkings aren’t ‘intimidating, aggressive or offensive’.
And the venue has since said that Katie 'should have been welcomed' inside.
In a statement to Tyla, a spokesperson for Burleigh Pavilion said: “The Burleigh Pavilion has contacted Gold Coast resident, Katie Hally to apologise for being refused entry to the venue over the weekend.
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“Management became aware of the incident after media reports and acknowledged that in accordance with its policy, Katie should have been welcomed into the venue.
“Burleigh Pavilion’s house policy is in place to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for our guests.”