A pub in the progressive inner-Sydney suburb of Newtown has come under fire after a manager “joked” about violence against women as footy finals season approaches.
“Keep calm and slap a bitch as we approach the finals of this years [sic] NRL! Live & Loud every game!” read Wednesday’s post for Newtown’s Coopers Hotel on Facebook.
The post included a Batman and Robin “Kapow” cartoon.
It provoked a severe backlash on social media with replies such as: “Hey manager, is it that hard to believe domestic violence is not ok to joke about? How many women have to die until you realise this?”
The manager responded by writing another post: “Keep calm and hug like you can’t take a joke as we approach the finals of this years [sic] NRL! Live & Loud every game!”
That further upset many people online.
"Looks like Coopers Hotel in Newtown needs to take a long, hard look at themselves. And learn how to write a proper apology. Buy your pints elsewhere, Sydney friends," wrote YWCA Victoria.
The Coopers Hotel manager is now looking for work elsewhere with the licensees issuing a statement on Thursday saying his employment was "immediately terminated".
"We do not condone violence of any type against any person regardless, of age, gender or sexual preference," the statement read.
"That's not who we are. We pride ourselves on being part of the Newtown community, providing good food, great entertainment and a safe environment.
"On behalf of the staff and management ... we apologise."
Wednesday's post was not the first questionable message from the Coopers Hotel - a tweet on July 2 read: "Stop by and see what comes cheap! $10 burgers and 10C/ ladies ..."
A study released in June revealed a "crystal clear" link between increased domestic violence in NSW and State of Origin matches.
Researchers from La Trobe University's Centre for Alcohol Policy Research analysed six years' worth of crime data and uncovered a 40 per cent surge in domestic violence on Origin game days in NSW.
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education at the time said although the drivers of violence were varied the link with Origin fixtures was "crystal clear".
The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has been contacted for comment.
Top Comments
My first thought would have been to link that comment to a soft bloke type bitch not a female bitch but either way I can see why he was terminated.