Autism SA praises pub's low sensory dinners

An award-winning SA hotel is the first venue in SA to introduce regular “Quiet Dinners” for the autistic community, thanks to a partnership between Autism SA and the AHA|SA.

Almost 60% of autistic people and their families avoid going to pubs and bars. Bright lights, loud noises, crowded venues, and overpowering smells can all add to a sensory overload for people on the spectrum.

To make dining out more accessible and inclusive, the Arkaba Hotel is offering Quiet Dinners on the first Monday of each month from 5pm to 9pm.

A section of the venue has lights dimmed, reduced music volume, a private bar to order from, and the dinners are located where people can easily enter and exit without having to walk through crowds.

Assistant Minister for Autism, Emily Bourke, said initiatives like the new Arkaba ‘Quiet Dinners’ will build knowledge of autism and help the autistic and autism communities better enjoy what many take for granted – enjoying a pub meal with friends and family.

“I am constantly hearing from families the difficulties they face in being able to attend a venue or event as a family unit and from autistic adults about having sensory inclusive environments to go out and celebrate a birthday or special event,” she said. Hurley Hotel Group publican, Anna Hurley, said more than 60 people attended the first dinner.

“It was a great success,” she said. “The feedback we received was so heartening and I know that our team has learned a lot from the experience.

“As word spreads, we’re looking forward to welcoming more people to enjoy a calm and welcoming space where they can enjoy a classic pub meal with their friends and family.”

“Our goal at the Arkaba Hotel is to be a venue for all occasions, we want to provide a place for everybody

to make special memories and connect with their loved ones,” said “We also want to provide a venue where everybody feels welcome and included and we hope that the Quiet Dinner is a good extension to that.

Autism SA’s CEO Helen Graham described it as a great initiative to help the Autistic community feel more welcomed, comfortable and importantly, included.

AHA|SA CEO Anna Moeller said that pubs have always been a reflection of the community.

“They are a place where people congregate, celebrate and sometimes even commiserate,” she said.

“The Quiet Night dining experience being pioneered by the Arkaba is an opportunity to make the hotel experience more inclusive and accessible to as many in our community as possible.”