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“Ridiculous”: 63-Year-Old Woman “Humiliated” After She’s Kicked Out Of Bar Over Her Face Tattoos
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“Ridiculous”: 63-Year-Old Woman “Humiliated” After She’s Kicked Out Of Bar Over Her Face Tattoos

Interview “Ridiculous”: 63-Year-Old Woman “Humiliated” After She’s Kicked Out Of Bar Over Her Face TattoosPub’s Face Tattoo Ban Sparks Outrage After 63-Year-Old Woman Is Denied Entry“I Felt Humiliated and Shocked”: Woman, 63, Denied Entry to Popular Venue Due To Face TattoosBritain’s Most Tattooed Woman Exclusively Reacts To Hotel Rejecting 63-Year-Old Over Facial Ink“Gang Activity”: 63-Year-Old Woman Denied Entry To Popular Venue For Face TattoosHotel Accused Of “Humiliating” 63-Year-Old Woman After Rejecting Her For Face Tattoos“Humiliated”: Woman With Alopecia Banned From Bar Due To Face TattoosPub’s Face Tattoo Ban Sparks Outrage After Woman’s “Gang Activity”: Woman’s Mandala Face Tattoos Result In Ban From Popular Establishment“Ridiculous”: 63-Year-Old Woman “Humiliated” After She’s Kicked Out Of Bar Over Her Face Tattoos
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An Australian woman claimed she experienced the “humiliating” refusal to enter a popular waterside venue due to her face tattoos. The establishment defended itself by stating its policies were put in place for the safety of its clients. Becky Holt, AKA “Britain’s most tattooed woman,” has since exclusively reacted to the incident, sharing her own negative experience.

Highlights
  • A 63-year-old woman was refused entry to a hotel due to her face tattoos.
  • The Colley Hotel defended its policy as necessary for client safety.
  • Facial tattoos must be covered unless they hold religious or cultural significance.
  • Becky Holt, 'Britain's most tattooed woman,' relates to the discrimination.

Kerrie Ashby attempted to enter the Colley Hotel in South Australia with a friend on Sunday (October 13) when a manager barred her and her friend from coming in.

The 63-year-old woman told News.com.au on Wednesday (October 16): “The staff were looking at us — I am used to people looking at me and it doesn’t bother me.

“But when I asked for the menu [ …] Security was standing behind me and the manager said I was being refused entry because the owners have a policy against facial tattoos.”

An Australian woman claimed she experienced the “humiliating” refusal to enter a popular waterside venue due to her face tattoos

Image credits: Salty Locs – Dreadlocks Adelaide

Image credits: Salty Locs – Dreadlocks Adelaide

After struggling with alopecia, causing her to lose a significant amount of hair, Kerrie got a mandala tattoo along her hairline and a sea creature design on her neck for her 60th birthday.

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Kerrie further recalled: “It was a bit of a shock to my character to be refused entry. I was gobsmacked. 

“I wasn’t angry, I felt a bit humiliated. It was so unwarranted and unjustified. It’s not a reasonable cause.

“I dress well. I’m not troublesome. I am always respectful and I’m well-known in Glenelg. I was just really shocked.”

The establishment defended itself by stating its policies were put in place for the safety of its clients

Image credits: Salty Locs – Dreadlocks Adelaide

Image credits: Salty Locs – Dreadlocks Adelaide

According to Kerrie, Colley Hotel’s policy is impossible to enforce, noting that some people have tattooed eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip liner.

A spokesperson for the venue subsequently told the Advertiser that pubgoers were allowed to have facial tattoos if they either covered them up or had religious or cultural significance.

They said: “We totally respect personal expression, tattoos – a lot of our staff have tattoos – and we embrace body art, especially body art that reflects cultural significance, individuality.

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“We just ask that neck, face tattoos be covered along with anything that may be aggressive or explicit in the same way that some people might have colorful language on their knuckles. 

“So our policy is in place to ensure that all of our guests, community members, and families feel safe.”

Kerrie Ashby attempted to enter the Colley Hotel in South Australia with a friend on Sunday (October 13) when a manager barred her

Image credits: thecolleyhotel

A Facebook message seemingly sent by the Colley Hotel to Kerrie, which she subsequently shared on social media, read: “The dress code at the Colley Hotel is clean, tidy, and respectful.

“No intimidating, aggressive, or offensive tattoos or clothing are permitted. Please note that persons with facial tattoos are not permitted to enter the ven.”

Kerrie slammed claims that her facial tattoos could be associated with “gang activity” as she wrote on Facebook on Monday (October 14): “ I’m well known in my community and not involved in anything that this Hotel has a problem with.” 

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Image credits: Salty Locs – Dreadlocks Adelaide

She added: “It’s a very discriminating policy and excluding individuals that have collectively been placed in a stereotypical group. 

“I have facial tattoos because I can and love them. They are neither aggressive nor offensive.

“Tired of stupidity in this world. Just ban specific persons, not specific groups, none of which I belong to, except that I have facial tattoos.”

According to Becky Holt, also known as “Britain’s most tattooed woman,” discrimination based on a person’s permanent body ink art isn’t uncommon.

She told Bored Panda on Wednesday: “I have faced rejection and it’s not a nice feeling! Such a shame [Kerrie’s] had to deal with this too.”

Becky Holt, AKA “Britain’s most tattooed woman,” has since exclusively reacted to the incident

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Image credits: becky_holt__

She recalled: “Me and my friend who has face tattoos were rejected from a restaurant. They tried to tell us they were full, which they very obviously weren’t.

“We just told them they were incredibly rude to judge us and said we didn’t want to spend our money there and went somewhere else.”

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When asked how Becky would usually deal with such behavior, she revealed: “I always say, ‘I don’t care that you’re not tattooed so why do you care if I am?’

“People just need to stop being so judgemental because we’ve chosen to cover our bodies in artwork.

Image credits: thecolleyhotel

“It has no impact on anyone else lives so I don’t understand why these people care. Maybe these people should try having a tattoo themselves. Live a little.”

Becky further shared: “It really is a shame that in this day in age, people are still judged for their appearance. 

“Tattoos are an art form and a way we express ourselves as humans. It doesn’t make us dirty or badly behaved which is what I’m assuming these hotel owners must think.”

Bored Panda has contacted Colley Hotel for comment.

“It’s not right or fair,” a reader commented

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Andréa Oldereide

Andréa Oldereide

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I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

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Andréa Oldereide

Andréa Oldereide

Writer, BoredPanda staff

I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

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Donata Leskauskaite

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Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

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Donata Leskauskaite

Donata Leskauskaite

Author, BoredPanda staff

Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

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POST
LittleWombat
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are free to make our own decisions, but we are not free from the consequences of our decisions. I suspect we have all suffered that in one way or another.

CP
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the people saying "their pub, their rules", a person is still allowed to complain about stupid rules. This one definitely fits.

The Pretenders
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this policy was on paper BEFORE the woman arrived, the policy was followed. If this policy was on paper AFTER this encounter, it could be viewed as discriminatory.

Karl
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m not fond of tattoos - esp. facial ones - but that’s just a matter of personal taste. I think this is a daft rule since the world and its wife seem to have them now and this lady’s tatts are neither offensive, racist, etc. They’ll be doing themselves out of a lot of business if they keep this up. Live and let live.

BrunoVI
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it's not *simply* a matter of taste. I'm not sure the hotel isn't being non-racist just because they're also keeping the old, harmless-looking white lady, but face tatts often have nothing to do with personal taste, and everything to do with signaling membership in a gang, which is probably exactly what the hotel means by calling it a safety issue. You didn't think they were worried about her spreading hepatitis, did you?

Load More Replies...
Christian Golden
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"No football shirts. Of any kind. At any time." That's on the door of a watering hole I love. I don't like it one bit, but they claim it's born of bad experience.

BrunoVI
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's be clear what's going on. The hotel is trying to keep gangstas out. Face tatts are often a prison or gang initiation thing. Isn't it obvious that she's not a gangsta? Maybe, but do you think the hotel can allow the "safe" white woman in, and keep out the "scary" gangstas when the gangstas largely happen to be minorities?

AisForRebel
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So when I was in Japan they wouldn't let me go into a hot spring because I have a tattoo also! This is the exact same thing, she could have done exactly what I did go to a 7-Eleven or corner market get some concealer cover it up and then enjoy her evening instead of crying about this. There are consequences to every action in life.

Scott Rackley
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

True. Onsen do not allow tatoos of any kind. Luckily I don't have any and the experience was crazy awesome.

Load More Replies...
AR
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sucks but private companies can do it. I understand wanting to complain but at the same time, that’s life. Just don’t go there again. Having tattoos isn’t like being part of a protected group. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Rhiannon Jane
Community Member
3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Māori women with tā moko are often refused entry to bars both here in New Zealand and overseas. My personal take on it is that their money would be better spent at a local business that supports their right to choose.

Load More Replies...
Craig Reynolds
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I'm going to regret saying this, but it needs to be said. Actions and choices have consequences, and no one else is required to accept your actions or choices. People are getting out of hand! You have every right to decorate yourself as you please, but you do not have a right to force others to accept your life choices. Your body, your choice, does require others acceptance.

Daniele Ribolla
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, but I find it absolutely horrible and disturbing. at her age, as at all ages, tattoos on the neck, or worse still on the face, are disgusting and disrespectful for the discomfort they cause to those who look at them. the icing on the cake are those filthy dreadlocks, despite the fact that those who wear them wants convince you that hair are clean... 🤮 +the colors of the tattoos are bright, so it's not even a teenage nonsense... 👎👎👎

WorkAholic1
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have tattoos, but I admire most of the tattoos I've seen on others. Some I didn't care for, but that's my personal opinion. On this woman, I love her tattoos. I was thinking that she needs to add a little bling on her forehead. Perhaps a brilliant blue stone to really bring out the tattoo. It would be absolutely gorgeous! Of course, if the sun hits it just right, she'll blind people, but they can stand still and close their eyes for a moment until she moves on. As far as the restaurant is concerned, yes, they do have the right to ban people if they want. It is their business. I'd say ban or not ban on a case-by-case, but that'll still tick folks off. Just go somewhere else. I would not make a big deal out of it. But that's just me.

Richard Chapman
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have face tattoos; but I have several on both arms and back. I feel people who react that way feel intimidated. So, ALL of us say screw you!

Becky Samuel
Community Member
1 month ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Racist Karen finds out what a teensy tiny bit of discrimination feels like and goes off on one. Is this really worth anyone's time? Why did she feel the need to call out Islamic clothing as 'intimidating'?

LittleWombat
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are free to make our own decisions, but we are not free from the consequences of our decisions. I suspect we have all suffered that in one way or another.

CP
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the people saying "their pub, their rules", a person is still allowed to complain about stupid rules. This one definitely fits.

The Pretenders
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this policy was on paper BEFORE the woman arrived, the policy was followed. If this policy was on paper AFTER this encounter, it could be viewed as discriminatory.

Karl
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m not fond of tattoos - esp. facial ones - but that’s just a matter of personal taste. I think this is a daft rule since the world and its wife seem to have them now and this lady’s tatts are neither offensive, racist, etc. They’ll be doing themselves out of a lot of business if they keep this up. Live and let live.

BrunoVI
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it's not *simply* a matter of taste. I'm not sure the hotel isn't being non-racist just because they're also keeping the old, harmless-looking white lady, but face tatts often have nothing to do with personal taste, and everything to do with signaling membership in a gang, which is probably exactly what the hotel means by calling it a safety issue. You didn't think they were worried about her spreading hepatitis, did you?

Load More Replies...
Christian Golden
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"No football shirts. Of any kind. At any time." That's on the door of a watering hole I love. I don't like it one bit, but they claim it's born of bad experience.

BrunoVI
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's be clear what's going on. The hotel is trying to keep gangstas out. Face tatts are often a prison or gang initiation thing. Isn't it obvious that she's not a gangsta? Maybe, but do you think the hotel can allow the "safe" white woman in, and keep out the "scary" gangstas when the gangstas largely happen to be minorities?

AisForRebel
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So when I was in Japan they wouldn't let me go into a hot spring because I have a tattoo also! This is the exact same thing, she could have done exactly what I did go to a 7-Eleven or corner market get some concealer cover it up and then enjoy her evening instead of crying about this. There are consequences to every action in life.

Scott Rackley
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

True. Onsen do not allow tatoos of any kind. Luckily I don't have any and the experience was crazy awesome.

Load More Replies...
AR
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sucks but private companies can do it. I understand wanting to complain but at the same time, that’s life. Just don’t go there again. Having tattoos isn’t like being part of a protected group. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Rhiannon Jane
Community Member
3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Māori women with tā moko are often refused entry to bars both here in New Zealand and overseas. My personal take on it is that their money would be better spent at a local business that supports their right to choose.

Load More Replies...
Craig Reynolds
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I'm going to regret saying this, but it needs to be said. Actions and choices have consequences, and no one else is required to accept your actions or choices. People are getting out of hand! You have every right to decorate yourself as you please, but you do not have a right to force others to accept your life choices. Your body, your choice, does require others acceptance.

Daniele Ribolla
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, but I find it absolutely horrible and disturbing. at her age, as at all ages, tattoos on the neck, or worse still on the face, are disgusting and disrespectful for the discomfort they cause to those who look at them. the icing on the cake are those filthy dreadlocks, despite the fact that those who wear them wants convince you that hair are clean... 🤮 +the colors of the tattoos are bright, so it's not even a teenage nonsense... 👎👎👎

WorkAholic1
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have tattoos, but I admire most of the tattoos I've seen on others. Some I didn't care for, but that's my personal opinion. On this woman, I love her tattoos. I was thinking that she needs to add a little bling on her forehead. Perhaps a brilliant blue stone to really bring out the tattoo. It would be absolutely gorgeous! Of course, if the sun hits it just right, she'll blind people, but they can stand still and close their eyes for a moment until she moves on. As far as the restaurant is concerned, yes, they do have the right to ban people if they want. It is their business. I'd say ban or not ban on a case-by-case, but that'll still tick folks off. Just go somewhere else. I would not make a big deal out of it. But that's just me.

Richard Chapman
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have face tattoos; but I have several on both arms and back. I feel people who react that way feel intimidated. So, ALL of us say screw you!

Becky Samuel
Community Member
1 month ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Racist Karen finds out what a teensy tiny bit of discrimination feels like and goes off on one. Is this really worth anyone's time? Why did she feel the need to call out Islamic clothing as 'intimidating'?

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