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Topics: Australia, News, World News, Racism
Rhiannon Ingle
A woman has been refused entry to a bar because of her cultural tattoos.
The Māori woman rocked up the boozer on Saturday night (22 April) only to be rejected due to her intricate ink.
According to the woman, security denied her access over breaching 'venue rules'.
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Law student, Juanita McNamara, headed to Finn McCool’s Irish pub in Brisbane, Australia, over the weekend.
The spot is located in the buzzing nightclub district of Fortitude Valley.
Juanita, who hails from Queensland, was excited for a Saturday night out until she was turned away at the door by bouncers due to her cultural tattoos.
She proudly shows her Māori culture with moko kauae, which is a traditional tattoo commonly located on an individual's chin and neck.
The markings bear a huge cultural significance and have been widely celebrated as a custom to be passed-down through generations of Māori people.
So, it came as a total shock when the security guards stationed at Finn McCool’s pub didn't let her in due to the traditional moko kauae.
According to Juanita, they turned her away for breaking 'venue rules' after banning anyone from the premises with facial tattoos.
"I was pretty cool, calm and collected, and tried to educate them," she told 7NEWS.com.au.
The law student continued: "I told them the story behind it and the cultural meaning.
"But they still wouldn’t allow me in."
But, it's clear that Juanita isn't letting the pub's security get her down as she has since issued a formal complaint on the matter.
Hoping for the ordeal to trigger the 'beginning of a movement', the woman is now working to ensure that venues are no longer allowed to refuse punters entry due to traditional tattoos and markings.
She said: "They (Finn McCool’s staff) weren’t willing to learn, and I think it’s time."
A spokesperson for Finn McCool’s pub has since issued a statement following the reported incident and has claimed that a representative has contacted Juanita to apologise, as well as flagging amendments to the venue's entry policy.
They said: "Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley has been reviewing its entry policy following extensive consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders over the past few months.
"Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley is currently in the process of updating its venue entry policy to reflect and endorse the business’ commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons."
The statement concluded: "Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley will be training staff on the new policy and procedures."