This article addresses the topics of sexual harassment and assault. If this raises issues for you or someone you know, please see the list of support resources at the end of the article.

Today the Sydney Morning Herald published a investigation into Merivalethe Sydney-centric hospitality group that operates more than 70 restaurants, bars and pubs across the east coast.

Journalists Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat spoke with four former employees of Level 6, Merivale’s exclusive members-only penthouse in the Ivy neighborhood, who expose a workplace that exploited young women and encouraged staff to consume drugs and having sex with guests. A Merivale manager says the place is “one step away from being a brothel”.

A former staff member, speaking about the group as a whole, told the SMH: “They hire very, very young people. There are thousands of girls aged 18-21 who are young, naive and sucked into Merivale.

Access to level 6 would cost $10,000 per year. Staff pour champagne and choose cigars, while a stripper pole is set up in the middle of a sunken lounge. The property has a spa and terrace, as well as a double shower and a private bar. CCTV reportedly only captured the poker table and bar.

The former Level 6 hosts’ allegations include being pressured to drink with Merivale managers who were “drunk and high” and having difficulty saying no when situations arose. “It was like a strip club where no one took their clothes off,” says one, while another says it was “naughty,” “flirty” and “handy.” A Level 6 host claims a “manager” threw her on the couch and put his hand up her skirt. In another incident, it is alleged that a manager asked a host, “Why have we never fucked?” »

A spokesperson for the group responded to the allegations in a statement on Tuesday, October 29: “Merivale categorically rejects the allegations made regarding practices allegedly imposed on Level 6 employees or others, and at any other Merivale sites. All Merivale employees, including those at Level 6, are treated with respect. The allegations made are completely contrary to our culture and our policies and procedures.

“In all hospitality businesses, including Merivale, incidents occur involving both guests and staff. We cannot deny it. However, Merivale handles complaints made regarding such incidents in accordance with its policies and procedures and its legal obligations.

“The numerous incidents alleged by the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) are largely historical and date back to 2011. Merivale takes these allegations of misconduct extremely seriously. Our approach was to request sufficient details from the Sydney Morning Herald be able to carry out a thorough investigation, in particular by providing us with the names of the alleged perpetrators. This was not provided to us.

A separate space with the same layout as Level 6 would function as a “private party area for the Director of Merivale and special guests.” There are allegations of people having sex, in the shower or on the couch, when staff arrive to take or drop off food and drink orders. Merivale said she had no record of the allegations.

Although it was reported that the alleged behavior was initiated and actively encouraged on Level 6, some reports indicate that it spread throughout the rest of the Ivy Ward. At Félix, a French restaurant on the ground floor, a regular claims that drugs were offered to him by a “dealer from the manager of Merivale”. The dealer was reportedly joined by two guests, one of whom spent part of the meal sitting on his lap. “You know this is happening on Level 5, behind closed doors,” the regular said. “I think everyone always knew it was a boys’ club, but that trickles down to all these other places.” Merivale says it is “patently false” that he operates a boys’ club.

Kitchen staff reportedly “joked” about the ages of women who dined with male managers. “They found another 20-year-old,” a chief said. “It was something that was joked about more than anything among the men in my kitchen.” Former employees say young women were removed from lines to receive special treatment. Staff say they are “terrified” by the group’s leaders.

“(We) regularly reaffirm to our employees that there are no repercussions if they speak out about their behavior in the workplace,” the group states. Merivale rejects “allegations that a Merivale employee roamed restaurants and bars to select customers who wanted to join private parties hosted by older men, or for any other purpose.”

Merivale executives told SMH they knew of six CCTV blind spots in the Ivy area, where they could have security beating people up, having sex and doing drugs. Merivale says it is “simply not true” that there are blind spots in CCTV systems.

In response to HeraldAs part of the investigation, Merivale established a staff complaints helpline and appointed Kate Eastman SC, a leading human rights and discrimination lawyer, to investigate independent on the allegations. “We encourage those who have information about the allegations to contact Ms Eastman SC by direct email, which can be done anonymously if necessary.”

Merivale is one of Australia’s largest hospitality groups, with bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs covering a range of styles and venues. There are 81 sites listed on the Merivale website, including 77 in New South Wales.

“Due to its extensive portfolio of venues and significant staff, Merivale is one of the most closely monitored and regulated hospitality companies in New South Wales,” the group’s statement continued. “The operational management of the site is governed by mandatory regulatory approved management plans which have been approved by NSW Police, Liquor & Gaming NSW and local government (Council). Strict and properly enforced regulatory protocols, regulations and laws apply to all approved sites, including regular site audits, inspections and reviews.

“We reiterate that we have extensive and rigorous training and systems in place to ensure a safe working environment for our team and guests…There are no measures upon which we could reasonably be described as a dishonest hotel operator relying on adhered to applicable procedures, policies and protocols. location to ensure safe operations for our employees and guests.

Safe Work NSW is currently investigating the allegations against Merivale.

If you have experienced sexual harassment in a hospitality workplace or witnessed an incident, read activist Jamie Bucirde’s advice for handling the situation.

If you would like to speak with someone about an experience you have had or would like more information, please call 1800Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.

You can also alert Large format to bad behavior of any kind in the hospitality industry via [email protected]. We cannot act on specific advice, but your valuable information may inform future coverage.