I stayed at the ibis Adelaide from 5 to 7 February.
On one occasion during my stay, I asked the front desk whether my colleague and I could work briefly in the dining area on the first floor while conducting a professional wine tasting. I was advised that this would be acceptable. I subsequently requested four wine glasses from the bar, which were provided without issue.
While seated at a table, my colleague began presenting the wines when a server, Carina Shen, approached us and stated that we were not permitted to consume wine that was not sold by the hotel. I explained that we were conducting a professional tasting rather than consuming alcohol recreationally, and that front desk staff had indicated this would be permitted. Rather than clarifying the matter directly, she contacted another staff member by phone. Shortly thereafter, she returned with a colleague, Lyan Takaidza, who reiterated that consuming alcohol on the premises was not allowed under RSA regulations and that any wine would need to be served by hotel staff.
I expressed my confusion, noting that many dining establishments allow guests to bring their own wine under certain circumstances, and that I had been given prior approval by front desk staff. I was then asked to describe the appearance of the staff member who had granted permission. I found this request uncomfortable and impractical, given the size of the hotel staff and the sub