In an age where personal expression and individuality are celebrated, it's always a jolt to the system when we hear of instances where these values seem to be disregarded. This was the case for Kerrie Ashby, a 63-year-old woman who was asked to leave the Colley Hotel in South Australia, an event that left her feeling humiliated and questioning the establishment's policies.


Ms Ashby, who has a mandala tattoo along her hairline and a sea creature design on her neck, was approached by a manager and asked to leave the venue. The reason? The pub's policy against facial tattoos. This was particularly surprising to Ms Ashby, who had visited the pub since the new owners took over without any previous issues. She had gotten her tattoos for her 60th birthday, a personal choice linked to her experience with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.


The incident raises important questions about the balance between a business's right to enforce a dress code and the rights of individuals to express themselves. The Colley Hotel's website clearly states that their dress code requires patrons to be 'clean, tidy and respectful', and explicitly bans 'intimidating, aggressive or offensive tattoos or clothing'. However, Ms Ashby's tattoos, which are neither aggressive nor offensive, highlight the subjective nature of such policies.


The venue's spokesperson has stated that while they respect personal expression and body art, they ask that neck and face tattoos be covered, unless they have religious or cultural significance. This policy, they claim, is to ensure that all guests feel safe. Yet, Ms Ashby's experience suggests that the enforcement of this policy can be inconsistent and potentially discriminatory.

This isn't an isolated incident. Earlier in the year, Survivor star Jaiden Laing encountered a similar situation at Burleigh Pavilion in Queensland, which also has a policy against 'intimidating, aggressive, or offensive tattoos'. Despite his efforts to cover his tribal tattoos with a turtleneck, he was still questioned and ultimately denied entry.

These stories highlight a broader debate about the acceptability of tattoos in public spaces and the stigmatization that individuals with tattoos, particularly those on the face and neck, can face. It's a reminder that while tattoos have become more mainstream, they can still be a source of contention and discrimination.


For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this serves as a cautionary tale. While we champion the right to personal expression, it's also important to be aware of the policies of the places we frequent. If you have tattoos and are planning to visit a new venue, it might be worth checking their dress code in advance to avoid any potential embarrassment or conflict.

We also encourage venues to consider the impact of their policies and how they might be perceived by the public. Inclusivity and respect for individuality should be at the forefront of any customer service policy. After all, a person's worth and character are not defined by the ink on their skin.
Members, have you ever faced a situation where you felt judged or discriminated against because of your appearance? How did you handle it? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Let's open up a dialogue about personal expression and how we can foster a more accepting society.