Fortitude Valley pub Finn McCools changes ‘racist’ tattoo policy after woman refused entry

A Brisbane woman claims she was left humiliated and embarrassed by a Fortitude Valley venue’s “racially discriminatory” policy after being refused entry because of her cultural face tattoo.

A popular Fortitude Valley watering hole has changed what one woman claimed was “racially discriminatory” policy after she claimed she was humiliated and embarrassed after being refused entry because of a cultural symbol.

Ascot local and Maori woman Juanita McNamara claims she was denied entry to the Irish pub Finn McCools on Saturday night because of her moko kauae, a cultural tattoo on her chin.

“Prior to arriving at Finn’s I had attended a charity event for veterans at Fortitude Valley music hall so we were all dressed up when we decided to head to the Irish pub,” Ms McNamara said.

“I go to pull out my ID but I was told I wasn’t allowed in because of my facial tattoos which they said was there policy.”

Ascot resident Juanita McNamara says she was refused entry to FinnMcCools Irish bar due to face tattoos which are traditional Maori family markings. Picture: David Clark

Ms McNamara said she tried to educate the security members that her tattoo actually was a Maori custom and was not a tattoo but a ‘toanga’ or treasure that was gifted to her by the artist.

“I still wasn’t allowed in. It was in a very public space so everyone could hear the interaction or see it and I was humiliated,” Ms McNamara said.

“I am never offended when people question my moko kauae or my culture, I always try to educate others but security at the venue were extremely ignorant and did not want to learn.”

Ms McNamara also claims the security guard that refused her entry said she Maori and her colleague sported a facial tattoo. This was reaffirmed in a video that she captured following the altercation.

“It was really upsetting which she said she was Maori and the man that said he was the security manager had a massive neck tattoo,” she said.

Finn McCools in Fortitude Valley.

The Courier-Mail contacted Finn McCools regarding the issue to which they responded: “Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley is reaching out to Juanita McNamara in order to apologise for her experience at the venue on Saturday night.

“Hallmark Hospitality has been reviewing its entry policy following extensive consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders over the past few months.

“Hallmark Hospitality is currently in the process of updating the group’s venue entry policy to reflect and endorse the business’s commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.

“Hallmark Hospitality will be upskilling and training staff on the new policy and procedures across all venues.”

Ms McNamara said a senior figure from Hallmark Hospitality had reached out to her following the altercation.