Racism row hits hotel
The Palais Hotel in Semaphore, a spot north-west of Adelaide, is at the centre of a storm with claims that it’s been denying people entry because of their skin colour.
The claim was made by Peter Miller Koncz who says he and his wife Kahlia were refused entry to the hotel on Saturday night. He says the reason given was that they are indigenous.
“When we were refused, I asked what was wrong and he (the security guard) said, ‘Nah, not tonight brother … the manager told me not to let Aboriginals in tonight’,” Mr Miller Koncz told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“The security guard said there was a big fight of a group of Aboriginals there last week.
“There was a few non-indigenous people out the front of the pub who heard what was happening and they actually apologised to us.”
He said he asked to speak to the on-duty manager who treated him poorly and was dismissive of his complaint.
“The manager was so rude. He denied what the security had said then told us to leave, otherwise we’d be removed from the premises,” he said.
“My heart dropped and I was in shock after we left. My wife and kids often go there to have lunch and we were even considering having our wedding there a few years ago, that’s how much we go to the place. Now we definitely won’t be going back.”
As a result, he posted comments on the hotel’s Facebook page. It received many comments before it was removed on Monday morning.
But the owners of the hotel have denied the claim. They say no direction was given to staff to refuse anyone entry because of their race, religion or colour.
The Karpluk family put out a statement saying they had tried contacting the patrons to resolve the matter.
“We are a caring family who have owned The Semaphore Palais Hotel for over nine years,” the statement said.
“We, in fact, clearly encourage everyone to utilise the venue on the basis that they conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and respect the hotel.
“We have a duty of care to uphold to all and strive to make the venue a safe and pleasant place to visit.
“The claims of racism have been very hurtful and we believe unfounded.”
They said CCTC footage and body cameras had shown “many” indigenous people at the hotel over the weekend.
“Many are local regulars who with all others continue to be welcomed,” the statement said.
“We are a proud multicultural family, employ many of different nationalities and backgrounds. “We continue to support many local charities, community bodies and sporting organisations.”
However, an employee who did not give his name told The Advertiser there had been directive to deny indigenous people entry that weekend.
But the directive did not come from the owners. It was issued by a senior member of staff.
“He instructs the security guards to not let Aboriginal people into this hotel, he made that instruction this past weekend,” the employee said.
“(He) says to make the African guard stay at the front doors when they are to refuse Aboriginals because ‘he’s black, they won’t take it so bad.”
by Leon Gettler, December 7th 2016
