‘The bigger the better’: Woolshed on Hindley’s lewd breast-size promotion causes pub to receive fine

A Hindley St nightclub was operating without adequate CCTV when it offered women free drinks depending on their bra sizes, authorities say – and has now been fined.

A popular Hindley St nightclub has been forced to update its “inadequate” CCTV coverage following an investigation into a lewd promotion offering free drinks to partons in exchange for their bras.

Liquor and licensing regulator Consumer and Business Services launched an investigation into the potential breach of liquor licensing laws after the Woolshed on Hindley St hosted an event titled “Hang your bra in the shed”, insinuating women would be gifted free drinks based on their bra size.

The investigation led to the regulator not only finding the club had breached the General Code of Practice (‘the code’) by offering gender-based promotions but it also breached the Late Night Code of Practice by having insufficient CCTV coverage in the venue.

The nightclub was also issued a third expiation for providing free liquor to a customer after midnight. The code prohibits the supply of free liquor between 12.01am and 7am.

“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,” Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio said.

“More concerning was the inadequate CCTV coverage.

The Woolshed on Hindley has received a near $4000 fine for a lewd promotion. Picture: Dean Martin

“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.”

Following this investigation, the operators of the Woolshed have been forced to upgrade their CCTV capabilities – with the operation of the new system reviewed by CBS inspectors.

The promotion which launched the investigation was posted to Instagram in June.

“Hanging your bra is uncomfortable, hang it up in the shed and let loose,” the post read.

“That means you as well boys.”

The post stated women would receive one free drink for an A cup bra size, two free drinks for a B cup and three free drinks for a C cup.

“Gender-based promotions – including those that objectify people – are not only out of line with community expectations, but are in breach of this Code,” Mr Soulio said.

The Woolshed on Hindley posted a promotion online for free drinks if you remove your bra. They have now apologised after huge backlash online. Picture: The Woolshed on Hindley

Consumer and Business Services said in a statement gender-based promotions by licenced venues are prohibited under the code for liquor licence holders.

Staff of the regulator attended the venue after complaints about the promotion.

The venue was fined a total of $3897, including a Victims of Crime levy for breaches to the code.

The promotion received backlash when it was posted earlier this year which forced the club to cancel the event and issue an apology post on Facebook.

The Woolshed on Hindley have apologised for an inappropriate promotion encouraging women to remove their bras for free drinks. Picture: Facebook

“We would like to address the concerns that have been raised regarding a recent social media post shared by our nightclub,” the post read.

“We sincerely apologise for the fact that the post made some of our patrons feel uncomfortable and body-shamed as this was never our intention.

“Based on the feedback from our community we have cancelled the promotion and are workshopping ideas for different promotions that promote a fun, safe and inclusive environment for all.

“Moving forward senior management will be reviewing all promotional activity to ensure that it creates an inclusive environment for all our patrons.”

The Woolshed on Hindley has been contacted for comment.