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Anyone want a job in Hokitika? An advertisement for part-time bar staff at Stumpers Bar & Cafe in Hokitika has drawn widespread criticism.
A sexist advertisement calling for part-time bar staff with “double D breasts” has been labelled “disappointing and inappropriate” and could breach sexual harassment standards under the Human Rights Act.
A photo of the ad in the window of Stumpers Bar & Cafe in Hokitika, on the West Coast, was posted on Twitter on Tuesday and quickly drew widespread criticism.
The advertisement calls for applications for part-time bar staff, adding: “Must have Double D Breasts, A Great Smile & A Good Attitude, But Men Can Also Apply!” [sic]
The Human Rights Commission would not comment on the ad specifically, but said an employer could only specify physical characteristics such as height, weight or strength as requirements for a job if they would significantly affect the applicant’s ability to perform the position’s essential duties.
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“Employers can’t prefer a specific gender to fill a position unless the employer can prove that gender is a genuine occupational qualification,” a spokesperson said.
They added humour was OK in advertisements, but the use of sexualised language in the workplace may amount to sexual harassment under the Human Rights Act 1993.
The ad received a negative response online. One Twitter user said she would “rather gouge my own eyes out with a rusty spoon than work anywhere that has an ad like that”.
“I honestly cannot believe someone would be brave enough to put out an advert like that. Really sets the scene for what the culture would be like I imagine,” another said.
Screenshot/Google Maps
Stumpers Bar & Cafe is in the centre of Hokitika, on the West Coast.
When asked about the advert on Wednesday morning, one Stumpers’ staff member refused to share the manager or owner’s contact details or transfer the call to them because they “were out of town”. They then hung up the phone.
Another staff member refused to comment on the ad, pass on a message to the owner, or confirm if the advertisement had since been taken down.
Westland deputy mayor David Carruthers said the sign did not reflect the values of the West Coast.
“What are they thinking? I am certainly prepared to say that sort of advertising is disappointing and inappropriate.”
Carruthers said the bar was a popular spot and in a central location in town.
“I am very surprised. It is not a good look, and hopefully they have got rid of it.”
A staff member at a neighbouring shop had seen the sign, as well as comments on Hokitika’s private Facebook group, Hokitika Grapewine, about the ad.
Stumpers’ website describes the bar, restaurant and accommodation provider as “hassle-free”. The establishment is owned by Westland Developments Limited, which has Lance Braid, Terence Manera and Gary Towers listed as directors.
Stumper rates at a 4 on Tripadvisor. In June, the restaurant received a complimentary review on its customer service and menu selection.
