Perth pubs looks to address LGBTIQ+ fears over anti-social behaviour

The Court Hotel promises new security measures following backlash over safety concerns

Nearly two thousand people have signed a petition to stamp out anti-social behaviour at a Perth gay bar.

The petition is calling on The Court Hotel to address concerns the pub is no longer a safe space for members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

“The LGBT people of Perth now no longer feel safe at what was a premier place for the community to feel safe,” the petition reads.

“Incidents include verbal and physical abuse - it’s very sad that it has gotten to this level.

“This petition is so you can make your voice heard. The Court Hotel needs to know that you feel unsafe.”

The founder of the petition also says the pub should remove its rainbow iconography from its branding if the changes couldn’t be implemented.

Neil O’Connor, the pub’s general manager, said the venue would implement several strategies to make the bar more friendly, including a code of conduct for patrons, more security staff dressed in bright pink vests and ‘Rainbow, Safety and Attitude’ officers to assist with complaints.

“We’ve noticed a few of you have expressed frustration recently at how some new patrons have come in to our amazing venue but not respected the values that we stand for including celebration, respect and love for diversity,” O’Connor said in a statement.

“We know the renovations have attracted a larger crowd but we can’t as some have suggested (and won’t) discriminate at the door due to anyone’s sexuality (plus we’re not that arrogant to suggest we’d get it right all the time!).

“This venue means the world to us and many of the community but we can only do so much alone. What makes the venue amazing are all of you beautiful people revelling in the freedom to be your true selves. If anyone doesn’t respect this freedom, tell us and they will not be welcome back in our venue.”

20^th February 2019