Industry Rallies Behind Village Inn During Media Fuelled Debate

A torrid week for one of Sydney’s latest pub renovations has seen unwanted media attention from the Daily Telegraph and the Sydney Morning Herald, criticising a newly implemented dress code banning high-vis vests.

The Village Inn is the re-invigoated Durty Nelly’s, located in Sydney’s Paddington prime pub region.

In an effort to re-position the venue and cater to a different occasion, publican Leeroy Peterson simply implemented a dress code, certainly not banning people or tradies from the venue; and as any publican, is well within his rights to do so.

The act has parked a flurry of social media criticism, as well as an outpouring of support from fellow publicans and industry personalities who feel Peterson has been unfairly persecuted.  The CFMEU has waded in for the high visibility argument, pointing “Did the blokes that did your renovation know that they wouldn’t be back for a beer?” – while direct messages, Facebook posts and videos from fellow industry colleagues have began streaming in to support the embattled operator.

“When I purchased the site in 2013, my dream was to reclaim the heritage of Paddington Village and create a respectable and sophisticated inn, targeting the local community and Paddington intersection. I wanted to rebrand and reinvigorate the site to what it previously was, and create an inviting and appealing, family friendly offering for our community,” said Peterson.

“The Village Inn policy has always been no ripped clothing or high-vis wear, because of the experience we want to offer our clientele”.

Supporters have even circulated a petition thought online site change.org, with an objective described as the following:

“We want to petition the so called journalists in the news industry to recognise that poverty, sickness and war effect our world more so than meaningless reports on honest working people who value entrepreneurship and family values.

“We call upon said “journalist” Taylor Auerbach and the Daily Telegraph to retract his article on Sydney resident Leeroy Peterson on his pub’s dress code as it is a defamation of character and incorrectly portrays him as a human being. This article undermines the hospitality industry and completely mocks the hard work and effort Leeroy has put into his venue.”

This week has also seen sensationalised journalism surrounding the launch of Circular Quay venue Cruise Bar, where many have criticised the use of figure models as “serving displays”.

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