A group of Israelis holidaying in Australia has allegedly experienced discrimination at two bars in Melbourne.
On Saturday night, Israeli tourist Id (who doesn’t want to be identified by his real name in case it has negative repercussions) was out with two Israeli friends on Chapel Street, Melbourne. They came across the Lucky Coq, which describes itself as “A Chapel street institution serving up Pizzas & Good Vibes – DJ’s and Entertainment.”
What they received was anything but good vibes.
According to Id, he and his friends approached the entrance where the security guard asked to see their licenses. They took out their Israeli licenses and handed them to the security guard, who looked over them. He then called over his colleague and told the Israelis “No boys” – even though they were all over the legal age of drinking. When the Israelis started to remonstrate, saying they would take a photo of the exterior of the establishment, the guard said “I don’t care. If you take a photo of this place, I’ll break your phone.”
The Israelis walked away dejected, searching for another place to enjoy themselves.
They then approached The Wolf Windsor.
One of the security guards outside told the guys to wait in line. When it was their turn to enter, he inspected the licenses of the two friends and told them “You are too drunk” (they weren’t). He then looked at Id and, before inspecting his license, asked “Are you with them?” When Id responded in the positive, the guard told him “You are also too drunk.”
Id tells me there was also a security guard standing at the side. He looked at them and said “It is too dangerous for you guys.” Id then said “Obviously because we are Israelis, right?” to which the guard responded “You are right.”
Dejected once again, the Israelis decided to go home.
I personally spoke with Id and he seems to be genuine. I believe what happened last night at those two bars is unacceptable discrimination.
