PUBS & BARS WARNED OVER DISCRIMINATION…

Pubs & Bars warned over discrimination after it is alleged same sex couple were refused entry to Leeds bar. Pubs & Bars have been warned to make sure doorstaff have been fully trained in discrimination laws following reports that 2 men were refused entry to a bar in Leeds due them being a “same-sex couple”. The men claim door staff were only allowing mixed male & female groups onto the bar. The couple also said that the venue, which is on a road running parallel to Leeds gay village, did not have a queue outside and that neither of them were drunk at the time. The bar, which has since apologised to the couple, blamed its ‘external supplier’ of bouncers and said it was investigating. A spokesman said “we operate a strict equality and diversity policy, as such we would never discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation, race, religion, gender or any other social factor. They went on to say “We have many customers who identify with LGBTQIA+ communities who frequent the bar regularly and are welcomed with the same level of excellent and open customer service that we always strive for. Like most venues in Leeds, our door team is provided by an external supplier. We are taking this matter extremely seriously and have launched an investigation into what happened on the night with the external door team.’” An Equality and Human Rights Commission spokesman said: ‘It is unlawful for a bar providing services to the wider public to discriminate against an individual based on gender or sexuality. If the bar has refused entry because of sexual orientation or gender, then this would certainly appear to be unlawful discrimination, which we would condemn.” They also added that the bar “could be legally responsible for the acts of the door team whether provided by an external supplier or not.” What does the law say? The Equality Act of 2010 says it is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of sexual orientation. The act provides protection from discrimination as a consumer, when using public services and as a member or guest of a private club or association. If you feel that you have been unfairly discriminated against then you can seek help from the Equality Advisory Support Service. You may be able to take them to court and claim damages.

For more information on PUBS & BARS WARNED OVER DISCRIMINATION… talk to NDML Insurance Specialists