I've always followed the industry in Australia closely, as in my opinion it is, pound-for-pound, the best mixology nation on Earth; I've visited often, for teaching and consulting, and wrote a column in Australian Bartender magazine for some years.

Last year the Sydney Morning Herald broke a story (sadly, only the first of many) uncovering alleged wide-ranging abuse at the renowned Australian hospitality group Swillhouse, with allegations ranging from management ignoring complaints right up to sexual harassment and rape by former and current staff.

Several former Swillhouse employees who were victims, including Jenna and Alexandra, bravely waived their right to anonymity, started a lawsuit against their former employer, and formed the Sorry Not Sorry Collective, which is currently touring with guest bartending and other events to raise awareness about these heinous issues, and to raise actual cash to fund their lawsuit.

We caught up during Bar Convent Berlin; I've known Jenna for quite a while and travelled through Japan with her as part of a group learning about shochu.

Because of that, and because both her and Alexandra are also Australians - automatically gregarious and affable people - and bartenders to boot, we had what could be described as a deceptively light-hearted sounding conversation that, as well as learning about their routes into bartending and the Australian scene, deals with some very deep topics indeed, ranging from the alleged abuses to the definition of sex work, consent, and a lot more.

We couldn't go into every detail of the alleged abuses, because their lawsuit is ongoing, however we discussed some comparable cases in other countries, of which there are a depressing amount.

This is very much worth a listen.

Sydney Morning Herald article exposing abuse: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sex-sleaze-and-swillhouse-the-sinister-side-of-the-glitzy-hospitality-scene-20240820-p5k3r0.html

Jenna on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jrhemsworth/?hl=en

Alexandra on IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexandr4hoo

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Retain Philip’s consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.org

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