Australian pub refuses entry to Maori woman because of her cultural face tattoos

A woman was denied entry from a Brisbane pub because she had Maori cultural face tattoos.

Juanita McNamera claims she was denied entry from Irish pub Finn McCool's over the weekend because of her moko kauae on her chin.

According to NewZealand.com a moko kauae is received by Maori women on the lips or chin to represent a woman’s leadership within her community, recognising her cultural identity, status, and abilities.

Ms McNamera told The Courier Mail: “Prior to arriving at Finn’s I had attended a charity event for veterans at Fortitude Valley music hall so we were all dressed up when we decided to head to the Irish pub.

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“I go to pull out my ID but I was told I wasn’t allowed in because of my facial tattoos, which they said was there policy.”

The woman said she even tried to educate the bouncers on the significance of her face markings, explaining that it wasn't simply a tattoo but a ‘toanga’ or treasure by the artist.

McNamera said that while she never has any qualms discussing her cultural heritage, she was left 'humiliated' after being refused entry.

“I am never offended when people question my moko kauae or my culture, I always try to educate others but security at the venue were extremely ignorant and did not want to learn," she added.

In a statement issued to The Courier Mail, Finn McCool’s said they had reached out to Ms McNamara to apologize and decided to change its policy regarding cultural face tattoos.

They said: "Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley is reaching out to Juanita McNamara in order to apologise for her experience at the venue on Saturday night."

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They added: "Hallmark Hospitality has been reviewing its entry policy following extensive consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders.

"Hallmark Hospitality is currently in the process of updating the group’s venue entry policy to reflect and endorse the business’ commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.

"Hallmark Hospitality will be upskilling and training staff on the new policy and procedures."

It comes after a Papua-Australian woman reported a similar experience in Brisbane, two doors down from the Irish pub at Hey Chica nightclub, in June.

Moale James was out celebrating her partner's birthday when a security guard denied her entry into the venue over her facial tattoos, known as reva reva.

"We walked around the corner and got into another venue and the security guard there, she said, 'why would I not let you in? You're not intoxicated, they're quite obviously cultural marks'," she told 9News.