Restaurant Bans Customers With Tattoos To Discourage ‘Intimidating Appearances’

A restaurant boss has announced that customers with visible tattoos or designer labelled clothing will be turned away.

The new rules for Double Bay’s Bedouin Restaurant are outlined on a sign outside the Sydney establishment.

The dress code - which extends to all staff as well - is banning 'visible tattoos', 'designer labelled apparel' or 'heavy jewellery'.

Bedouin has become a popular celebrity venue since opening with stars such as actor Scott Eastwood, musician Rita Ora and her partner film director Taika Waititi visiting.

UK chef Michael Mcelroy has weighed in on the announcement.

Mcelroy, who has neck and arm tattoos, told 7 News: "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.”

He went on to add: "To hear we are going back to these rules is upsetting. I love to eat out at restaurants so sooner or later this will start to affect my dining experiences.”

Bedouin co-licensee Poata Okeroa told The Daily Telegraph that the move had been put in place to discourage anyone visiting with 'intimidating appearances'.

He said: "We value our customers and community stakeholders, and have always implemented house rules that includes a dress policy that discourages intimidating appearances."

Richard Shields, a councillor in Woollahra, Sydney, thought the news was an early April Fool's Day joke, telling the publication: "The listed restrictions would preclude a big chunk of the eastern suburbs. Regarding tattoos, I am personally not a fan — but I defend people’s rights to express themselves in that way.”

Another Gold Coast venue that has similar bans on neck tattoos is Burleigh Pavilion.

A statement on the website reads: "Guests with tattoos are welcome at our venue, however, our policy does not permit intimidating, aggressive, or offensive tattoos, clothing or behaviour which 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.”

LADbible has reached out to Bedouin for a comment.