Discrimination at Kuta's Paddy's Pub

It is a well known fact that Bali's tourist economy has been negatively affected by Oct. 12, 2002 and the following SARS viruses. Incidences like the ones just mentioned can change things forever and the reality is that Bali must also change. It must change in areas of customer service, security and health and safety.

On Sunday, Nov. 2, I experienced an incident that highlighted the very need for change and the cold hard fact that if the above changes don't occur Bali's tourist economy will not recover to provide a sustainable future.

I am an Australian in Bali on business and on the Sunday just mentioned I went with two Indonesian friends to the newly opened Paddy's Pub. Entry for me was no problem, however for my Indonesian friends it was. When I inquired as to why it was different for them, I was told "that's how it is".

I tried to point out that this practice is discriminative and would like to talk to the management of the Pub about this matter. I was promptly directed to, what I believe was a plain clothes security person.

I once again explained that I was not happy with the situation and wanted to see the management. His response was to grab me by the arm and push me down the front steps onto the street, and told to go away.

I believe that since opening a short time ago, there has been other incidents with security at Paddy's Pub. This sort of response from staff or security is not at all appropriate and shows a total lack of proper training. This is not the behavior that will help lift the tourist industry for Bali and I certainly will never visit Paddy's Pub again, nor will any of my friends or associates.

KAREN HELLMAN
Denpasar, Bali