The Equality Authority welcomes the decision by the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations which upheld that, a man aged 72 years who was refused entry to the Q Bar, was the victim of age discrimination. This is the first successful case by an older person on the age ground under the Equal Status Act, 2000.
“Active ageing is now deemed to be the policy priority for older people. This is about valuing their contribution and securing their participation in economic and social life. The direct exclusion evident in this case makes a mockery of any ambition for greater participation by older people. It is this pervasive ageism that marginalises and isolates older people and deprives society of their contribution”, states Niall Crowley, CEO of the Equality Authority.
The claimant, along with family members, went to the Q Bar to celebrate his wedding anniversary. He was refused entry by the doorman and was informed that only regulars were being admitted. This caused embarrassment and humiliation and the claimant subsequently witnessed people in their ‘twenties and thirties’ entering the Q Bar. The ODEI equality officer found that the refusal of service was based on age and therefore amounted to discrimination under the Equal Status Act.
“Publicans have made much of their opposition to the Equal Status Act. Findings continue to be made against them in relation to discrimination. Cases have been won by Travellers, young people, a parent with children and now an older person. Cases on a number of other grounds are pending. A vigorous campaign by publicans to ensure management practices do not discriminate on any of the nine grounds would be a more effective response in decreasing the caseload in this area. Such a campaign would usefully prioritise staff training in this area and the preparation and dissemination of equality policies”, stresses Mr. Crowley.
ENDS