‘Shocked, embarrassed’: Local mum denied entry at popular GC venue

A Gold Coast mother was left “shocked and embarrassed” after she was denied entry to a popular local venue. HERE’S WHY.

A Gold Coast mother was left “shocked and embarrassed” after she was denied entry to a popular venue over her neck tattoo.

Rachel Ubaldino visited Burleigh Pavilion on the first Sunday of January for lunch with her family and friends.

As the group entered the beachfront restaurant, Ms Ubaldino said she was stopped by a staff member and told she could not enter because of her small neck tattoo.

“The security guard said ‘we have a no neck tattoo policy and your tattoo is a representation of gang affiliation’,” she said.

“I was actually quite shocked and embarrassed.

Rachel Ubaldino was refused entry at the Burleigh Pavilion on a Sunday for lunch as a result of her neck tattoo. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I said ‘well I absolutely have never been a part of a gang or affiliated with a gang in my life’.

“I asked him if I could please go away and cover it and he said no. It was quite upsetting.”

Ms Ubaldino said she was confused given she visited the Pavilion the weekend before with the doorman simply looking at her tattoo and asking what it said.

“I said ‘love always’ and he smiled and let me go straight through and we had an amazing time,” she said, adding that the tattoo was from 15 years ago after the birth of her children.

Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May declined to comment on the matter.

However, the popular establishment’s house policy states guests with tattoos will be granted entry so long as their ink is not “intimidating, aggressive or offensive.”

Rachel Ubaldino’s “love always” neck tattoo which she got 15 years ago, was referred to as “gang affiliated” by pavilion security staff. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Burleigh Pavilion is a family and community oriented venue,” a sign at the entrance reads.

“Guests with tattoos are welcome at our venue, however, our policy does not permit intimidating, aggressive or offensive tattoos, clothing or behaviour which may intimidate other guests or staff.

“Tattoos on the neck, head and face are viewed as increased intimidation in that order. This practice is common among licensed venues and is in place to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.

“Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person they deem unsuitable for entry.”

But for Ms Ubaldino, a Gold Coast resident of 32 years, the situation “was an absolute kick in the guts.”

“When we walked away I had tears in my eyes because I’ve never been singled out and it’s selective discrimination, I’m allowed there one week and then the next day I’m not,” she said.

“There’s people with tattoos in there that I could see as well. I just feel like they’re so inconsistent with their policies. Tattoos don’t define a person.”

Ms Ubaldino also took to social media to vent her frustrations in a post which divided the more than 220 commenters.

“With the number of people that have tattoos these days it’s a wonder they have any business,” one user said.

“Same thing happened to my husband last week … we have been there so many times but this time he was refused,” another said.

One user said she had noticed the tattoo bans were dependant on the time of the visit.

Gold Coast swim teacher and DJ Felipe Mattos was also banned from the venue for his neck tattoo which says “peace” in 2021 and local Maori woman Jadene Kini was refused entry in 2022 because of her traditional Moko kauae facial tattoo.

According to an Aussie Medi Tech study, one in five Australians has a tattoo.

Ms Ubaldino said the incident at Burleigh Pavilion left her in tears and that she felt she was singled out. Picture Glenn Hampson