“Blatant Sexism”: Multiple Bands Have Moved Shows From Perth Venue Over Uniform Policy
"We don't want to support a venue that shows such disrespect for their female staff and patrons."
Three bands have moved their upcoming shows from Perth’s Amplifier Capitol venue, citing a ‘sexist’ proposed uniform code for female staff.
Two days ago, an internal message sent by David Heaton, chairman of the venue’s owners Capitol Group, said that female employees would be required to wear lower-cut shirts, and could no longer wear the male staff shirt. In the message, Heaton also wrote that staff uncomfortable with the changes “should find employment elsewhere”.
After the policy became public knowledge via Facebook, Heaton took to Amplifier Capitol’s page to write a length apology, stating the policy was in changed due to ‘OHS’ around baggy clothing, but “will not be enforced”.
The post has since attracted more than 1000 comments, most of them saying the original statement betrayed how he and the company viewed its female staff.
Now, Music Feeds is reporting at least three bands have cancelled upcoming shows, moving them to other venues.
On Facebook, New Zealand four piece The Beths have thanked fans who have “reached out about Amplifier”, and said they’ve moved their April 11 show to Badlands Bar “as we don’t want to support a venue that shows such disrespect for their female staff and patrons”.
In addition, Melbourne post-hardcore act Storm The Sky has slammed the venue by saying the proposed policy is “blatant sexism and puts women at risk”, changing venue as “we do not tolerate any such behaviour”.
Make Them Suffer has also changed their gig with Ceres this Sunday from Amplifier to the Rosemount Hotel, but did not link the change directly to the controversy.
The aftermath mirrors one surrounding Melbourne’s The Night Cat last September after its owner said he was afraid of “hosting African shows”. He soon apologised, though many patrons boycotted the venue, and Sampa The Great moved her show from the venue.