The Village Inn defends high-vis ban despite heavy national criticism
Despite a nationwide backlash from personalities, politicians and social media, Paddington publican Leeroy Petersen has defended his no high-vis policy.
After Central first reported about the new dress code at The Village Inn, formally known as Durty Nelly’s, critics including Karl Stefanovic and NSW Premier Mike Baird lambasted the inner Sydney venue.
However despite the backlash Mr Petersen has defended his decision to introduce the contentious policy.
“When I purchased the site in 2013, my dream was to reclaim the heritage of Paddington Village and create a respectable and sophisticated inn, targeting the local community and Paddington intersection,” Mr Petersen said.
“I wanted to rebrand and reinvigorate the site to what it previously was, and create an inviting and appealing, family friendly offering for our community.
“The Village Inn dress code policy includes no ripped clothing or high-vis wear, because of the experience we want to offer our clientele.”
NSW premier Mike Baird expressed his dissatisfaction with the Paddington pub’s high-vis ban.
“I think the next opportunity, I’m going to go down there and make a point,” he said.
“I’m with the construction guys. Look, pubs can make their own decisions but that seems a very odd decision.”
The Today show team joined Karl Stefanovic’s high-vis protest.
Today show host Karl Stefanovic took aim at the recently refurbished venue opting to wear a high-vis vest for the duration of the program.
“Staff at the Village Inn in trendy inner city Paddington, where all the hipsters hang, will apparently refuse to serve anyone in the fluoro tops,” Stefanovic told viewers.
“Tradies have been ostracised more and more and more in this country’s history. Our country is built on the back of tradies, and not being allowed into a pub; are you serious?
Sunrise host David Koch also joined the discussion.
“Apparently it’s a lot more common than just that trendy Paddington pub,” Kochie said on air.
“The pubs are the traditional home of tradies, what right has anyone got.”
Source: News Local - Central, James Gorman, 27th August 2015
Originally published as: The Village Inn defends high-vis ban despite heavy national criticism
