Maori war veteran kicked out of pub for having traditional face tattoos

Michael Barclay was allegedly refused service from Hotel Windsor in Perth because of face tattoos A Maori war veteran was allegedly turned away and refused service by a Perth pub – all because of his face tattoos. Michael Barclay was visiting Hotel Windsor in the south of the city for a spot of dinner with his wife, when he asked the server for the menus so they could decide what to eat. The bar worker allegedly immediately turned to face the couple and said: “Sorry, I can’t serve you.. because you have facial tattoos.” Mr Barclay claims he was “flabbergasted” and “embarrassed” by the response and ordeal, and plans to complain to the Human Rights Commission. Nearby diners at Hotel Windsor tried to persuade the servers to attend to the couple Speaking on the Australian news programme, A Current Affair, Mr Barclay said he served in the army to protect people’s rights, and not to be “harassed for who you are”. The traditional method of tattooing practiced by the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, is called Ta Moko. Maori men traditionally receive a facial tattoo known as Mataora, which is a symbol of nobility, while women receive tattoos on their lips and chin called Moko kauae, which is representative of their abilities and status within their community. Despite explaining the cultural significance of his tattoos to the bar worker who happened to be the venue’s manager, Mr Barclay said he was still refused service. Nearby customers and onlookers dining at the same restaurant also tried to convince staff to let the couple order food, according to the war veteran, but this did not make a difference to how he was treated. Michael Barclay claims he was refused service in Hotel Windsor in Perth SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Trending