A mother of two was denied entry to a restaurant after staff noticed her neck tattoo, sparking controversy and discussion.
A mother from the Gold Coast in Australia, Katie Hally, experienced a disappointing night out when she was denied entry to a restaurant because of her neck tattoo.
The incident happened at the Burleigh Pavillion, where she was celebrating a friend’s birthday.
The woman wore a dress revealing her neck tattoo
Katie arrived at the restaurant wearing a dress that revealed her tattoos, including one on the back of her neck.
This tattoo features Chinese characters which Katie explained translates to “family,” “love,” and “happiness.”
She got her first tattoo, which means “happiness,” nearly thirteen years ago after going through a divorce.
The second one, “family,” was done alongside her sister, and the last tattoo, “love,” reflects her hope to find love again.
Restaurant bans mom-of-two from entering inside after discovering her neck tattoo
As Katie approached the entrance, a member of the door staff informed her that she could not enter because of her visible tattoos.
The staff member said, “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.”
Katie was told that if she wanted to return to the restaurant, she needed to wear clothing that covered her tattoos.
Feeling disappointed, Katie decided to go home and change rather than miss her friend’s celebration.
“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.”
Katie later shared her feelings with the media, stating, “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.”
The restaurant issued an apology to Katie for the confusion in their policy
The Burleigh Pavilion allows guests with tattoos to enter as long as they do not appear “intimidating, aggressive, or offensive.”
After the incident received media attention, the management of the restaurant reached out to Katie to apologize.
A spokesperson for Burleigh Pavilion commented, “The Burleigh Pavilion has contacted Gold Coast resident, Katie Hally to apologise for being refused entry to the venue over the weekend.
“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.”
Reactions from the public
I never got one because they’re permanent & I know within 6 months or less I would have regretted it, one user said.
Don’t get how tattoos became such an out-of-control thing over the last 20 years, but never been a fan.
I don’t know about banning patrons though, seems a stretch. On the other hand, restaurants can demand wearing a sports coat, etc., the second user said.
I come from a time when tattoos were only for drunken sailors or south sea natives. Normal people just didn’t have them.
I don’t know what the popular fascination now with tattoos is about. I don’t care either, the third user commented.
This woman needs to find new friends…because her friends stayed there when she wasn’t allowed in.
Real friends would have left to join her, rather than making her cover that tattoo in order to join them, another wrote.