Pub giant ‘sincerely regrets’ ban on festivities across 200 venues

Hospitality giant Australian Venue Co has backflipped on its plan to ban Australia Day festivities for patrons at more than 200 venues around the country. In a statement released Monday, the company admitted the decision had caused “concern and confusion.” “We sincerely regret that – our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it. It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Australia Day.” The pivot comes after calls were made to boycott the giant following the controversial announcement over the weekend. “Let’s spread the news of these Australia Day bans far a wide and boycott these hotels, not just on that day, but every day,” one person wrote. “I’ll make sure I never set foot into any of your pubs ever again,” another man posted. “Pretty simple really — just boycott the establishments, there are plenty of other alternatives out there,” wrote another. Australian Venue Co – which owns 200 pubs and bars including many iconic venues in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia – had originally directed managers not to allow flagwavers to celebrate in its establishments on January 26. “Australia Day is a day that causes sadness for some members of our community, so we have decided not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team,” an Australian Venue Co spokeswoman told the Herald Sun. Will you boycott a pub which has banned Australia Day? Following the backlash, the company confirmed it would no longer enforce the directive. “Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always,” a spokesman said. “We have been, and are always, open over Australia Day and we continue to book events for patrons.” But one person wrote they would still boycott the company and its venues. “Not good enough. All those listed are on my blacklist to never enter again.” “Why even make this statement in the first place? Maybe they are trying to get out of paying penalty rates or are they trying to cause more divisiveness in the Community again?” added another. The original decision was also met with fury from Coalition MPs. Queensland senator Matt Canavan said the private company was acting as “moral guardians”. Appearing on the Today show, Senator Canavan acknowledged there were differing views on January 26. “Get off their moral high horse. They’re a pub, for god’s sake They deal in alcohol … I mean, let people have a good time at a pub,” the senator said. Sky News host Paul Murray joined Senator Canavan in having a crack at Australian Venue Co’s decision. “While they’re saving people ‘hurt’ by not marking Australia Day, you will still be able to lose your life savings in a poker machine on January 26,” he said. “It’s up to you. You’ve got lots of ways you can respond to this and all of them should be respectful … But most importantly you can decide where your money goes.” Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett called the decision “divisive” and “extraordinary”. “They are totally out of touch with the community,” he said. “If no one wants to participate in Australia Day celebrations at one of their venues that would be fine.” More than 80 councils around the country no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26. Many regions across Australia, particularly areas with high Indigenous populations, hold community events on January 26, to show solemn support for Aboriginal Australians and the effects of colonisation. ‘Invasion Day’ rallies in the capital cities attract thousands of people. Australia Day officially became a public holiday on the day of January 26 for all states and territories 30 years ago, in 1994. The first time January 26 was celebrated as Australia Day was in 1935.