What is Age discrimination?
Age Ground
If someone treats you less favourably because you are older or younger than someone else and it is without a good reason (‘objective justification’).
‘Age’ applies to people over 18 years of age, except for the provision of car insurance to licensed drivers under that age.
(Note: this ground does not cover alleged discrimination against children in schools.)
What is Age Discrimination in Pubs?
Discrimination on the ‘age ground’ occurs where there is less favourable treatment of one person compared with another person because they are different ages.
‘Age’ applies to people over 18 years of age, except for the provision of car insurance to licensed drivers under that age.
What law protects you against discrimination in Pubs?
The Intoxicating Liquor Act protects against discrimination on or, at the point of entry” to a licensed premises (for example, a pub, or restaurant; or any place that holds a license to sell alcohol)
The Equal Status Acts protect you if you experience discrimination by a licensed premises via telephone or by email (in other words if the claimed discrimination does not occur “on or, at the point of entry” to that premises)
What is covered under the law?
Licenced premises selling alcohol, such as pubs, nightclubs and membership clubs cannot discriminate on or at the point of entry to a licensed premises.
How do I complain?
There are two different routes for complaints about discrimination by pubs.
Claims of discrimination that occur “on or, at the point of entry” to a licensed premises (for example, a pub, or restaurant; or any place that holds a license to sell alcohol) are dealt with in the District Court.
You can access the relevant court forms from the Courts Service. The main relevant provisions are contained in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, as amended.
If the claim of discrimination against a licensed premises occurs via telephone or by email (in other words if the claimed discrimination does not occur “on or, at the point of entry” to that premises) then any such claim should be directed to the Workplace Relations Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as a notice setting out the policy is displayed in a conspicuous place in or on the exterior of the premises.
Have you experienced discrimination for another reason?
Select the ground and area where you have experienced discrimination