The ‘classy’ Darwin pub that says it’s too nice for ‘poor’ and ‘vulnerable’ people
NEWLY opened city pub Rorkes says it will hardly ever serve poor people, because they’re badly dressed and can’t afford to eat there.
In a community impact assessment lodged by the pub’s management team as part of their application to install 10 pokies machines, the Director- General of Licensing was told the venue had been designed to keep poor people out.
“It is unlikely (the pub) ... will be attractive for homeless persons given the high quality of the venue, which will act as a deterrent for those persons who will not be able to meet the dress standards applicable to the site,” the document said.
“The venue’s target market is persons with higher disposable income and not low incomes.”
Rorkes’ dress code includes a ban on thongs and hi-vis workwear after 7pm.
The report was prepared by Melbourne-based consulting firm Ratio Consultants and points out that, with a main course priced between $25 and $35, people from “vulnerable” communities are more likely to eat at cheaper venues nearby.
The consultants suggested the nearby Deck Bar as a better alternative for those with low incomes.
Deck Bar owner Jason Hanna said the attitude expressed in the report was unusual.
“Just because someone is poor or homeless doesn’t mean they’re not welcome for a meal,” he said. “So long as someone is wearing a shirt and shoes and they pass the attitude test, we’ll serve them a meal or a drink just like anyone else.”
The Deck Bar has 10 pokies machines, but Mr Hanna said he has no plans to install more. “To be honest, pokies aren’t very popular in the city,” he said. If there was a line-up to use them, I’d think about applying for another 10.”
Under controversial new rules introduced this year, licensed hotels are allowed up to 20 pokies machines.
In order to apply for more machines, venues are required to go through a lengthy and expensive application process.
As part of that process, nearby churches, anti-gambling groups, homeless groups and charities are given the opportunity to comment.
Rorkes received two letters objecting to its application, one from NT Shelter executive officer Toni Vine Bromley and one from the Anglican Dean of Darwin, Keith Joseph.
Dr Joseph is also director of Anglicare NT.
Both Mrs Vine Bromley and Dr Joseph raise broad concerns about the impact of pokies on the community, particularly the poor, and the burden that more pokies place on gambling-support services.
Rorkes licensee Mitchell McNamee did not respond to inquiries from the NT News.
Source: NT News, Craig Dunlop, 16th September 2015
Originally published as: The ‘classy’ Darwin pub that says it’s too nice for ‘poor’ and ‘vulnerable’ people
