TATT’S NOT ON AT THE PAVILION
Turtlenecks, tattoos and stick on ink dramas at the bar door
Tatt’s ok for some, but not others – a pair of videos seemingly exposing inconsistency at a hotspot Gold Coast venue over its tattoo policy have gone viral on social media.
The clips show two men strolling unquestioned into Burleigh Pavilion with temporary neck tattoos a day after a reality TV star was refused entry despite covering his cultural tattoos with a turtleneck.
On Saturday, Survivor contestant Jaden Laing shared a video of his attempt to be the “first islander in Burleigh Pav with neck tattoos in history”. It has attracted more than 20 million views on TikTok.
According to Burleigh Pavilion’s policy, guests with tattoos are allowed in but if they are deemed “intimidating, aggressive or offensive” they will be denied entry.
In the video, Mr Laing bought a black turtleneck to cover his cultural tattoos and proceeded to try and enter the venue.
However, the bouncer stopped him at the entry and asked, “Have you got any tattoos”, gesturing to Mr Laing to show his neck.
“I’m covered up. I’m just coming in for a beer bro,” he said.
A manager was called, telling Mr Laing: “You can’t come in. We need to see if there’s anything on your neck.”
Mr Laing repeated that he was covered up and the manager said: “It doesn’t matter. You can’t cover up tattoos. It’s part of our policy.”
On Sunday, Mr Laing reshared a video from a TikTok
“It doesn’t matter. You can’t cover up tattoos. It’s part of our policy Burleigh Pavilion manager
account called @thickneighneigh which showed two men testing the policy.
The duo said: “Apparently the Burleigh Pavilion doesn’t allow neck tattoos.
“So today we went and got temporary neck tattoos. Let’s see if they let us inside.”
The pair were welcomed in without any questions from the venue’s security.
Mr Laing has been contacted by the Bulletin. The Pavilion management declined to comment on the matter.
The incident comes nine months after mother of two Katie Hally was barred from the venue because of her back tattoo which was written in Chinese lettering and translated to “family, love and happiness”.
In August last year, Burleigh Pavilion management later apologised to Ms Hally and said “she should have been welcomed into the venue”.
“Burleigh Pavilion’s house policy is in place to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for our guests,” the venue’s management said.