Australia Day ban at pubs draws outrage and calls for boycotts
The decision by Australia’s second-largest pub group to ban Australia Day celebrations in 2025 has ignited a wave of public outrage, with thousands calling for boycotts of the affected venues.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The controversial decision to ban Australia Day celebrations at over 200 pubs and bars nationwide in 2025 has triggered a massive public backlash.
Owners of Australian Venue Co, the nation’s second-largest pub group, said the move was made because the holiday causes “sadness” and “hurt” for some patrons.
Popular venues such as Cargo and Bungalow 8 in Sydney, Melbourne’s Garden State Hotel, and The Esplanade in St Kilda are among those affected.
Australian Venue Co issued an apology on Monday saying it “sincerely” regretted any offence caused after issuing the celebratory ban.
“We can see that our comments on the weekend have caused both concern and confusion,” a statement issued by the company read.
“We sincerely regret that – our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it. 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. We employ 9,600 people across the country. And we welcome 15 million patrons each year to our venues.”
It went on: “Across our community of team members and patrons, many different views are held and we acknowledge that. Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always. We have been, and are always, open over Australia Day and we continue to book events for patrons.”
When asked if they had backflipped on the ban, Australian Venue Co simply responded by directing The Daily Telegraph to the statement.
The decision to ban Australia Day celebrations sparked widespread criticism.
A Daily Telegraph poll showed that 97 per cent of respondents believe venues should not take a political stance on Australia Day.
The decision drew thousands of comments online, with many calling for a boycott.
“I would never step foot in any of these establishments,” Greg said.
“Ban them all. You would think they would have learnt from Woolworths,” Phoenix said.
“Pretty simple really — just boycott the establishments, there are plenty of other alternatives out there,” Kevin added.
“This is not Australia anymore the governments gave it away,” Jacqui said.
“If these pubs don’t respect Australia, they should open up overseas,” JoeyT commented.
“Any hotel that doesn’t support Australia Day won’t be EVER getting any of my business,” Russell commented.
“Let’s spread the news of these Australia Day bans far a wide and boycott these hotels, not just on that day, but every day,” Graham said.
Indigenous leader Warren Mundine said the nonsense that goes on in “woke” companies was becoming a joke.
“The real reason is they just hate the country,” Mr Mundine said.
“They hate Australians, they hate Australia, and that’s why they do these things.
“Don’t bother about having a drink in their venues, piss these bastards off.
“Let’s all just go down to the beach, chuck a lamb on the barbie with a few sausages, and get some takeaway from a (venue) that actually cares about this country – not a hater of Australians – and we’ll have a great time.”
Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
‘We got them’: Influencer details ‘mission’ to expose health workers
The Israeli influencer who exposed the vile tirade of two Sydney nurses says their comments have left him wondering who he can trust, describing the rising tide of anti-Semitism in Australia as ‘insane’.
‘I admire Pauline’: Shock Indigenous candidate ready to roll for Hanson
A one-handed Indigenous truck driver endorsed by One Nation for the federal election says he is running to end the ‘hoax’ that Pauline Hanson is racist.