January 26 celebrations banned at hundreds of pubs

Blair Jackson Published December 2, 2024 at 10.00am (AWST)

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A major Australian pub owner has banned Australia Day celebrations in its venues because it “causes sadness” for staff. (Image: The Australian)

Outrage has been sparked after a major Australian pub owner banned January 26 celebrations in its venues.

Australian Venue Co, owner of more than 200 pubs and bars including many iconic venues in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia, has directed managers not to allow flag-wavers to celebrate in its establishments on January 26.

Australian Venue Co owns 60 venues in Victoria, 90 in Queensland, about 20 in South Australia and 10 in Sydney.

Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet on January 26, 1788 and the raising of the Union Jack in Sydney Cove. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard — January 26 marks the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet, and the raising of the Union Jack in Sydney Cove. (Image: Gaye Gerard/NewsWire)

"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," an Australian Venue Co spokeswoman told the Herald Sun.

Queensland senator Matt Canavan said the private company was acting as "moral guardians".

Appearing on the Today show, Mr Canavan acknowledged there are differing views on January 26.

"Get off their moral high horse. They're a pub, for god's sake They deal in alcohol … I mean, let people have a good time at a pub," the senator said.

Sky News host Paul Murray joined Mr Canavan in having a crack at Australian Venue Co's decision.

Untied, in Barangaroo, is among the locations banning the celebrations next year. Picture: Supplied — Untied, in Barangaroo, is among the locations banning the celebrations next year. (Image: Supplied)

"While they're saving people 'hurt' by not marking Australia Day, you will still be able to lose your life savings in a poker machine on January 26," he said.

"It's up to you. You've got lots of ways you can respond to this and all of them should be respectful … But most importantly you can decide where your money goes."

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett called the decision "divisive" and "extraordinary".

"They are totally out of touch with the community," he said.

"If no one wants to participate in Australia Day celebrations at one of their venues that would be fine."

Thousands of people turned out for an Invasion Day rally in Melbourne this year. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui — Thousands of people turned out for an Invasion Day rally in Melbourne this year. (Image: Luis Enrique Ascui/NCA NewsWire)

More than 80 councils around the country no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26.

Many regions across Australia, particularly areas with high Indigenous populations, hold community events on January 26, to show solemn support for Aboriginal Australians and the effects of colonisation.

Invasion Day rallies in the capital cities attract thousands of people.

January 26 officially became a public holiday for all states and territories 24 years ago, in 1994.

The first time every Australian state celebrated January 26 was in 1935.

Blair Jackson - AAP