BBC Sends Cease-and-Desist to Restaurant That Tried to Plan a ‘Redemption’ “Bluey” Day After Its First Failed Event

"We deeply regret that the recent 'Bluey' event did not meet the expectations we set," Dirt Dog in Las Vegas tells PEOPLE in a statement

• Las Vegas restaurant Dirt Dog has canceled an upcoming "Bluey is Back" event after their previous event was criticized by customers online.

• Dirt Dog had to pull the plug on any planned Bluey days after being sent a cease-and-desist letter from BBC Studios

• "Unlicensed and unofficial activity always risks diluting the goodwill that shows like Bluey have built with their fans," BBC Studios tells PEOPLE in a statement

A Las Vegas restaurant has canceled a "redemption" Bluey event after receiving a legal letter from BBC Studios amid outrage from customers.

Dirt Dog Las Vegas was criticized online after throwing an event centered around the beloved Australian kids TV show on Saturday, May 11.

Despite being marketed as a day to “celebrate Bluey" with a “marathon of all the Bluey episodes,” character visits from “Bluey & Friends,” face painting and games, customers were left unimpressed, calling the whole thing a "scam" on the restaurant's Facebook page.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Dirt Dog now says they were planning another "Bluey is Back" event but had to cancel after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from BBC Studios, which airs the show.

"We deeply regret that the recent Bluey event did not meet the expectations we set and that we let down those who were excited to see a real mascot of the character Bluey," the statement reads. "We understand how important this event was to many of our people, and we sincerely apologize for not delivering on our promise."

Related: Jonas Brothers Delight Australian Concertgoers with Adorable Bluey-Inspired Intro

"Their trust and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us. We are taking immediate steps to rectify this and are excited to announce that we are planning a new event to provide the experience you deserve," the message continues.

"Unfortunately, the redemption 'Bluey is Back' event we had planned has also been canceled due to a Cease and Desist letter we received from BBC Studios. Our new and improved event was supposed to feature a real mascot and more activities to ensure a memorable and enjoyable time for everyone."

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The restaurant insists that although it "can no longer create Bluey themed events," their team members "are working on planning a family event for the summer to give our community what they deserve."

"We want to thank our community for understanding and continued support. We look forward to making it up to them and providing an event that truly meets their expectations," the statement concludes.

BBC Studios confirms to PEOPLE that a cease-and-desist letter had been sent to Dirt Dog. "Unlicensed and unofficial activity always risks diluting the goodwill that shows like Bluey have built with their fans and audiences over a period of time - and as brand custodians we will always take the necessary measures to mitigate any negative impact," BBC Studios tells PEOPLE in a statement.

"This is particularly important when it comes to children’s shows," they add.

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The update comes after customer Maria Hardly spoke to PEOPLE about taking her children to the previous Bluey event at the eatery.

“It was extremely crowded and was very clearly a cash grab at the expense of families interests,” she said. “A poorly planned and executed event that left so many children and families disappointed.”

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Hardly said that “many traveled across town to this event and waited for employees dressed in Amazon pajama Bluey onesies.”

She continued, “My kids kept saying, 'Why is that guy wearing the outfit? Bluey is a girl!'”

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