The pub chain that had banned Australia Day celebrations at its 200 venues has made a sensational about-face and apologised for offending its customers, with a spokesperson saying the company regretted causing “concern and confusion”.
Australian Venues Co, which owns the Criterion and Terminus Hotels in Yarrawonga, initially decided not to hold Australia Day Celebrations at its hotels.
AVC, Australia’s second largest pub group announced that it had directed staff “not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team”.
After public outrage on Monday December 2, AVC was quick to take back its remarks. “We can see that our comments on the weekend have caused both concern and confusion. We sincerely regret that – our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it,” a spokesperson said.
“It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Australia Day. We acknowledge that and we apologise for our comments.
“It certainly wasn’t our intention to offend anyone. Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always.”
AVC is based in Melbourne and owns 60 venues throughout Victoria, 90 in Queensland, 20 in South Australia and 10 in Sydney.