This Aussie bar paid a hefty fine for a scandalous bra promo
By
Seia Ibanez
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Nestled in Adelaide's central business district exists an iconic Australian pub called the Woolshed.
It's known for its sprawling, three-level building, its ever-existing cheerful crowd, and mechanical bull riding right at the heart of the South Australian capital city.
However, its latest stunt landed them in hot water with a steep fine of $3,897 slapped on them by the South Australian Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
In its online promotion in June this year, its ad said: 'Wearing a bra is so uncomfortable, hang it up in the shed and let loose. The bigger the better. That means you as well boys.'
The promotion further detailed that one, two or three free drinks would be offered depending on the size of the bra hung up in the aforementioned shed. Guests with A-cup sizes got one free drink, whereas B sizes got two free drinks.
This promotion saw a major backlash online, with many branding the promotion as 'misogynistic'.
After receiving several complaints, the consumer watchdog attended the venue, and they caught the owners in the act the night after they obtained the CCTV footage.
Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio spoke out about the issue.
‘Theme nights and other promotions can be a great way for licensed venues to attract customers, but there must be appropriate standards which is why the General Code of Practice for liquor licence holders has clear standards in place,’ he said.
‘Gender-based promotions—including those that objectify people—are not only out of line with community expectations, but are in breach of this Code,’ he added.
Unfortunately, Woolshed overlooked one key aspect: the regulation that stipulates promotions must neither encourage excessive and irresponsible consumption of alcohol nor objectify individuals based on gender.
The General Code of Practice covers vital areas such as the responsible service of alcohol, and management practices that would help reduce harm linked to misuse of alcohol, making it more than just a long list of don'ts, but a comprehensive guide to keeping the spirit of Aussie pub culture alive and harm-free.
Mr Soulio also pointed out that the pub breached CCTV regulations.
‘More concerning was the inadequate CCTV coverage,’ he continued. 'CCTV footage is vital not only for on-premises security, but also for investigative purposes as needed.’
'This is why the Late Night Code of Practice includes a requirement that licensed premises maintain CCTV that captures all internal and external areas of the premises—except for toilets—along with entry and exit points.’
It’s understood the Woolshed have upgraded their CCTV since getting fined.
Members, it’s okay to have a drink or two. But always be mindful and remember to drink alcohol responsibly!
Have you heard any wild stories that break the law? Let us know in the comments below!
It's known for its sprawling, three-level building, its ever-existing cheerful crowd, and mechanical bull riding right at the heart of the South Australian capital city.
However, its latest stunt landed them in hot water with a steep fine of $3,897 slapped on them by the South Australian Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
In its online promotion in June this year, its ad said: 'Wearing a bra is so uncomfortable, hang it up in the shed and let loose. The bigger the better. That means you as well boys.'
The promotion further detailed that one, two or three free drinks would be offered depending on the size of the bra hung up in the aforementioned shed. Guests with A-cup sizes got one free drink, whereas B sizes got two free drinks.
This promotion saw a major backlash online, with many branding the promotion as 'misogynistic'.
After receiving several complaints, the consumer watchdog attended the venue, and they caught the owners in the act the night after they obtained the CCTV footage.
Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio spoke out about the issue.
‘Theme nights and other promotions can be a great way for licensed venues to attract customers, but there must be appropriate standards which is why the General Code of Practice for liquor licence holders has clear standards in place,’ he said.
‘Gender-based promotions—including those that objectify people—are not only out of line with community expectations, but are in breach of this Code,’ he added.
Unfortunately, Woolshed overlooked one key aspect: the regulation that stipulates promotions must neither encourage excessive and irresponsible consumption of alcohol nor objectify individuals based on gender.
The General Code of Practice covers vital areas such as the responsible service of alcohol, and management practices that would help reduce harm linked to misuse of alcohol, making it more than just a long list of don'ts, but a comprehensive guide to keeping the spirit of Aussie pub culture alive and harm-free.
Mr Soulio also pointed out that the pub breached CCTV regulations.
‘More concerning was the inadequate CCTV coverage,’ he continued. 'CCTV footage is vital not only for on-premises security, but also for investigative purposes as needed.’
'This is why the Late Night Code of Practice includes a requirement that licensed premises maintain CCTV that captures all internal and external areas of the premises—except for toilets—along with entry and exit points.’
It’s understood the Woolshed have upgraded their CCTV since getting fined.
Key Takeaways
- The Woolshed, a popular pub in Adelaide, was fined $3897 by South Australia's Consumer and Business Services (CBS) for a 'lewd promotion' involving free drinks in exchange for guests' bras.
- The bar received complaints after posting about the promotion online, prompting CBS to investigate the venue, finding the owners in violation via CCTV footage.
- The event was not only deemed 'misogynistic' by many but also breached the liquor code, which prohibits gender-based promotions and those that 'objectify people'.
- The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio also mentioned the venue breached CCTV regulations, and it's understood that Woolshed has upgraded its CCTV since receiving the fine.
Members, it’s okay to have a drink or two. But always be mindful and remember to drink alcohol responsibly!
Have you heard any wild stories that break the law? Let us know in the comments below!
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