Queensland pub bans bullies and discrimination
Stacey Lowe, the owner of Gympie’s Royal Hotel, has made one thing quite clear to customers: the pub will not tolerate bullying or discrimination. Anyone showing that sort of behaviour will not be welcome.
And to make that point, she has put up a sign outside the hotel: If you are racist, sexist, homophobic or an asshole, don’t come in.”
Just in case anyone didn’t get, the hotel stated its position on Facebook.
“For any of our patrons who are being subjected to any negative behaviour from another person, please let us know straight away. Don't endure it alone and definitely don't take matters you’re your own hands - for your safety and the other persons...whether you think they deserve it or not. We can't condone violence no matter what the circumstances.
“If you're someone who bullies a person for the colour of their skin, sexual orientation, a disability or any other factor that makes them different to you...We do not wish to add alcohol to your intolerance and you won't be welcome. It's as simple as that.”
Ms Lowe decided she had seen enough when she had seen two incidents where she had to warn a male patron slinging mud and insults at a lesbian couple who were in the hotel enjoying themselves.
She said the Gympie community was generally tolerant but she had to take a stand.
“On the weekend it escalated into something more physical and the customer felt harassed, it just wasn't cool ... security had to get involved," she told the ABC.
"We've got quite a large gay and lesbian community in our town and they all come in and drink with us and we rarely have issues.
"This one on the weekend I thought 'no, I need to mention where we're at' because I want everyone to feel comfortable here."
Her Facebook post has since gone viral. Just in case anyone didn’t get the message.
by Leon Gettler, February 2nd 2017
