Sydney is known as one of the most relaxed cities to club in, but there are still some rules you have to abide by. And one is a big surprise: some clubs’ dress codes.

This means our city’s clubs would turn away stars like David Beckham, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Billie Eilish, and Angelina Jolie.

So why are we so out of step with the rest of the world?

Tattoos have long been associated with gang activity and intimidation, but such a stigma no longer holds weight. Today one in four Australians has a tattoo—and the driving force is fashion.

It’s got clubs into some tangled situations. In 2022, for instance, a Papuan woman with traditional face tattoos was rejected from a Brisbane nightclub, Hey Chica!, on the basis of her appearance.

While it was implied by the ABC that perhaps it may be time for us to move away from what appears to be a discriminatory practice, the venue owner stood by his decision and cited it as a “blanket rule” based on the state’s Liquor Act 1992. This is despite many other Brisbane nightclubs not being so strict on their door policy.

There was even a push to include dress code tattoo bans in the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Ironically, this weekend sees one of the largest tattoo expos coming to Sydney. The Sydney Tattoo Convention promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the talents of 200 Australian and international tattoo artists. From traditional to neo-traditional, Japanese to tribal, live tattooing and seminars will span over two floors.

Over 15,000 people following the exhibition on Instagram. Don’t expect to see them at your local night club.

A quick Google search of different nightclubs and venues and their door policies reveal that some places still consider a tattoo a reasonable excuse for a bouncer to prevent someone from entering a venue.

The Island Sydney, for example, states that visible tattoos are not acceptable. It also has a strict ban on any bucks parties (although hens parties are allowed, as long as the guest list is capped at 30.

According to Youth Law Australia, if a tattoo, piercing, or body modification is part of your cultural background, it may be unlawful discrimination for a school or workplace to ban you from having it.

But what about tattoos that are simply an artistic expression, like a rose on your neck? Why are these flagged as dangerous?

We think it’s time for some of Sydney’s nightclubs to rethink their dress codes in line with the highly-touted “return” of the city’s nighttime economy.

While strict dress codes are becoming less common in progressive countries, there are still plenty of venues around Australia that do not allow visible tattoos.

To save you some time and disappointment on a night out in Sydney here are some clubs that have a stricter dress code. Not just regarding the outdated tattoo policy, but also the even more nonsensical shoe policy.

Cargo: “tattoos must be inoffensive and/or covered up”.
The Argyle: On Friday and Saturday nights, their dress code is a little stricter. “No sports wear, track pants, runners or active wear or caps! Entry will be denied if you’re dressed too casually, and no refunds will be issued if you don’t meet their dress code standards. Please note that shoes like Nike Air Max and Nike TN’s are also not permitted on weekends”.
The Greenwood Hotel: The venue has a strict dress code, with men required to wear collared shirts, and no singlets or open toe shoes.
Wharf Bar Manly: Manly Wharf Bar’s dress code is smart casual. They are flexible on this during the day and in quieter periods. However, it is stricter when busy and at night, epsecially when it comes to tattoos “No intimidating, aggressive or offensive tattoos or clothing”.