We have carried out this Review of Section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act under the powers we have under Section 30 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.
Section 30 gives the Commission specific discretionary powers and/or obligations to review the working and effect of any legislation which relates to the protection and promotion of human rights and equality.
The Review finds that Section 19 makes it harder for people, and particularly Travellers, to challenge discrimination in pubs, bars and other licensed venues. It also finds that Section 19 fails to meet EU equality law requirements, leading to uncertainty and inconsistency in how Irish courts handle these cases.
The Review outlines a number of recommendations to repeal Section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, and place strong safeguards so that everyone has fair and equal access to justice.”