Discrimination at Kuta's Paddy's Pub

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