Dallas Restaurant Reverses Ban On People With Face Or Neck Tattoos
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A Texas-based restaurant and bar chain has reversed course on their ban against tattoos.
Little Woodrow's released the following statement today:
"Little Woodrow's does not have an issue with tattoos as evidenced by the fact that we had no restrictions on tattoos of any kind except at two of our sixteen locations. At those locations, we implemented a policy where we requested that neck and/or facial tattoos not be openly displayed. After further review, we have rescinded this policy. We continue to focus on providing a safe and comfortable environment for all our guests. The company regularly reviews and modifies its policies when it is deemed reasonable to do so."
The dress code had caused some to feel discriminated against due to its ban on tattoos.
"I would say from my point of view it's definitely a little discriminatory," said Oliver Peck, owner of Elm Street Tattoo.
An internationally known tattoo artist and host of Spike TV's "Ink Master," Peck can't believe there's a restaurant in his town that won't let him in based on his appearance.
"It's very curious that this is happening in 2016," said Peck. "Not everyone with a neck tattoo is in a gang. Sorry to break the news to you."
On Tuesday, the company's lawyer, Philip Brinson said that the policy is not a ban on ink, but the restaurant would just prefer not to serve clients with neck or face tattoos.
Attorney Britta Stanton said the eatery was likely well within its rights.
"The line can be very gray as to when it gets discriminatory," said Stanton.
Legally, Stanton said people with tattoos aren't considered a "protected class" such as race, religion, sex and age are under the U.S. anti-discrimination law. But the restaurant must enforce the dress code on everyone.
"It's easy to hide behind a dress code to unfairly target someone. And so the Department of Justice takes that seriously," said Stanton.
Peck said he understands an establishment can make the choice to ban people like him, just like he can choose not to give them his business.
"A young kid today gets a neck tattoo and all of a sudden they can't go into a restaurant. Yeah, that's what you get. Like, you chose to be a part of the underworld," said Peck.
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