Australian Venue Co says Australia Day won’t change for Roma pubs

Two pubs in Roma are part of the hospitality group which came under fire after revealing their venues would not celebrate Australia Day. Have your say as to whether their apology will win customers back.

The Commonwealth Hotel at 75 Wyndham St, Roma is owned by the Australian Venue Co.

Two of five pubs in Roma might have thin crowds on January 26, after the hospitality group which owns them took a stance against Australia Day, then backtracked.

On December 1, News Corp reported Australian Venue Co, and thereby all the hospitality venues it owns across Australia, were not partaking in Australia Day celebrations, citing ongoing controversy around the date.

In Roma, the Commonwealth Hotel and the White Bull Tavern are both owned by AVC.

Droves of Roma residents took their anger to social media, with a common sentiment of “boycott the pubs”.

Australian Venue Co has since clarified their position, saying their comments caused “concern and confusion”.

“We sincerely regret that – our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it,” their statement says.

“It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Australia Day.

“We acknowledge that and we apologise for our comments.

“It certainly wasn’t our intention to offend anyone.”

In Roma specifically, AVC chief executive, Paul Waterson said “customers will see no difference in the White Bull and Commonwealth compared to what they saw this year”.

However, the Roma community seemed unconvinced, commenting that the apology was “too little, too late.”

WHAT YOU SAID

Boycott the pubs right back

Tammy Grant

Concern and Confusion……they have just shot themselves in the foot. I will never support these establishments again.

Kym Bonisch

Wonder if they’ll understand the confusion and concern when everyone boycotts them.

Cody Nelms

Well you won’t see me in any of these venues drinking on Aussie day they can stick it!!

Janet Menz

Well perhaps we should boycott them!

Bazza Wilson

Australia day is for every Australian. If the pubs boycott Australia day, they should be boycotted every day.

Carolyn Hughes

Well if that is the case, we won’t be going to either of them again

Suzette Caroline Byrnes O’Reilly

Vote with our feet guys, it sure sends a message.

Luke Macey

Well there’s 2 pubs that will be empty.

Bruce Birtwell

Disgraceful, boycott both pubs

Glen Humphreys

Be a good reason to boycott them for ever.

Terrie Busiko

I won’t be supporting them either if they can’t support the country that supports us all stuff them.

James N Toni Russell

How rediculious!! Won’t be going to either of them again, aussies not welcome clearly 😡

Apology was too little too late

Suzette Caroline Byrnes O’Reilly

Too little, too late. It showed how they really feel.

Bernie Waters

Wow to little too late.