A hospitality giant has issued a grovelling apology for saying it won’t be holding Day celebrations in its more than 200 pubs and clubs nationwide because it ’causes sadness’.
In a statement n Venue Co said it ‘sincerely regretted’ the effect the decision had.
‘We can see that our comments on the weekend have caused both concern and confusion,’ the statement said.
‘We sincerely regret that – our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it.
‘It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Day. We acknowledge that and we apologise for our comments. It certainly wasn’t our intention to offend anyone.’
n Venue Co owns 200 properties across , including at least 90 in Queensland and another 60 in Victoria.
They include the Bungalow8, Cargo, Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo, and Parkside Hotel in Sydney, as well as the Esplanade Hotel, Prince of Wales, Duke of Wellington and Garden State Hotel in Melbourne.
Also on the company’s books are the Claremont Hotel and Bassendean Hotels in Perth, the Regatta Hotel, Boundary Hotel, and the riverfront Fridays bar in Brisbane and well as the Parkside Hotel and the Colonist in Adelaide.
Although it apologised Venue Co did not indicate any specific Day events would be held in their venues.
‘Across our community of team members and patrons, many different views are held (about Day) and we acknowledge that,’ the statement said.
‘Whether you choose to celebrate Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always.
‘We have been, and are always, open over Day and we continue to book events for patrons.’
Sunday’s announcement by Venue Co prompted a huge backlash on social media and from public figures.
Indigenous activist Warren Mundine had some colourful advice for those wanting to celebrate on January 26.
‘Don’t bother about having a drink in their venues, p*** these bastards off,’ he said after learning of the boycott.
Mr Mundine, who led the successful campaign against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament last year, said the real reason ‘ woke companies’ refuse to celebrate Day is ‘ they just hate the country’.
‘They hate ns, they hate , and that’s why they do these things,’ he said.
Mr Mundine urged Aussie revellers to instead head to the beach, put some lamb and sausages on the barbecue or get takeaway from a venue ‘that actually cares about this country – not a hater of ns – and we’ll have a great time’.
Wurundjeri elder Ian Hunter added: ‘It is condescending, they think we are doing the best thing for Indigenous peoples.’
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett branded the decision as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘divisive’.
‘They are totally out of touch with the community,’ he said.
‘If no one wants to participate in Day celebrations at one of their venues that would be fine.’
A number of accounts on X were sharing lists of places owned by n Venue Co and urging they be boycotted year around.
‘n pubs boycotting Day? I love Day,’ one tweet said.
‘Some of my best memories are from Day. I love my car, home, TV, food, medical etc. If the English didn’t come, I wouldn’t be here today.
‘Below is the link to the list of pubs to boycott.’