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The parent company of 200 pubs and bars which axed Australia Day celebrations next year has apologised for causing “concern and confusion”.
Australian Venue Co issued a statement on Instagram after news it would cancel celebrations on January 26 because the day causes “sadness” and “hurt” for patrons and staff.
The company said it was sorry for the reaction to its comments and said its venues would continue taking bookings for Australia Day.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Australian Venue Co said it acknowledges the “different views” of its customers and employees.
“Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always,” the statement continued.
“We have been, and are always, open over Australia Day and we continue to book events for patrons.”
The hospitality giant caused controversy after announcing it would not be marking the national day at its venues.
The impact of the ban would be especially felt in Queensland where the company owns about 90 venues, including the Wickham Hotel, Regatta Hotel and The Boundary Hotel in Brisbane.
It also has many popular drinking holes in Sydney, such as Untied, Cargo Bar, and Bungalow8.
In Melbourne, regulars at the Esplanade Hotel and The Duke of Wellington, owned by Australian Venue Co, may have to look elsewhere if they want to enjoy celebrations.
Adelaide pubs impacted include The Unley Hotel, The Colonist and The Naracoorte Hotel.
“Australia Day is a day that causes sadness for some members of our community, so we have decided not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team,” said an Australia Venues Co spokesperson.
The company is just the latest major business to sever ties with Australia Day.
At the start of this year, Woolworths and Aldi decided not to stock Australia Day merchandise in its stores ahead of the January 26 public holiday.
In the wake of the decision, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton suggested shoppers should “boycott Woolworths” over the move.
Multiple local councils have also dropped Australia Day events as attitudes shift on holding commemorations on January 26.
