Hillary’s Bar1 has enforced a blanket ban on red shoes whether they be Air Maxes, TNs or Airforces as the shoes are allegedly a red flag for bad behaviour.
“It’s quite funny … they have red shoes on, certain bum bag and certain chain and they act up,” owner Malcolm Pages said.
“It’s a little bit eshay-like. Like the local suburban hero kind of vibe.”
The new policy comes after a rise in violent behaviour and the nightclub insists red kicks are a magnet for the incidents.
Head2Sole owner Farshad Shirzadi said Air Maxes and TNs were sell-out brands, particularly in red.
“They tend to sell out every single time. It’s always that particular age group that do buy that all-red shoe,” he said.
Some nightlife revellers have dubbed the club’s ban discriminatory.
“I’m always wearing the red shoes, you know, I have nearly four or five of them. I don’t think I’m a dangerous person, I’m not a troublemaker,” one local said.
“I think it looks cool and it’s just one of my favourite colours. You shouldn’t judge people by wearing that,” another local said.
Despite the uproar in the community, hospitality venues can legally enforce a dress code under the liquor act.
Bar1’s new rule will come into effect next month.
