Pubs & Family Status Discrimination
Discrimination on the ‘family status ground’ occurs where there is less favourable treatment of one person compared to another person because one person has a family status and the other does not, or has a different family status.
‘Family status’ means responsibility as a parent or person in loco parentis for a person under the age of 18 years or responsibility as a parent or resident primary carer of a person of 18 years or over with a disability requiring care or support.
Pubs, as licenced premises selling alcohol, cannot discriminate on any of the nine specified grounds (Age, Civil Status, Disability, Family Status, Gender, Membership of the Traveller Community, Race, Religion, Sexual Orientation) with respect to entry or service provision under the Equal Status Acts.
A pub cannot refuse to let you in because you are a member of a particular group covered by the law, or because you are with such a person, or because the staff think you are such a person.
There are two different routes for complaints about discrimination by pubs.
Places selling alcohol - point of entry discrimination
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.
Places selling alcohol - Non point of entry discrimination
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.
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Make a complaint
Places selling alcohol - point of entry discrimination
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.
Places selling alcohol - Non point of entry discrimination
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.
Contact us
We, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, have a statutory role to fight discrimination and provide information on equality and human rights in Ireland. Please note however that we are not a court and we do not decide on discrimination claims.
Learn more about how to contact us
Contact another organisation
You may find that another organisation could better help you with your issue.
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One-parent families
One Family
One Family is working to ensure a positive and equal future for all members of all one-parent families in Ireland Changing attitudes, services, policies and lives together with one-parent families and those working with them we are committed to achieving equality and respect for all families.One Family
8 Coke Lane,
Dublin 7,
Ireland
D07 EN2Y
Lo-call helpline: 1890 662 212 -
Information for unmarried parents
Treoir - National Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children
Treoir is the National Specialist Information Service for unmarried parents and their children providing clear and up-to-date information free of charge to parents who are not married to each other and to those involved with them.Treoir - National Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children
28 North Great Georges Street,
Dublin 1. D01 HY46
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Legal advice
Free Legal Advice Centres
The Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) provide confidential, basic legal advice for free and in person across all areas of law. FLAC offers a network of advice clinics around Ireland and you may be able to identify the most suitable one at the following link: Legal Advice Clinic.Free Legal Advice Centres,
13 Lower Dorset Street,
Dublin 1,
Ireland
Phone: Lo-Call: 1890 350 250
Web: https://www.flac.ie/
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Legal aid
The Legal Aid Board
The Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means. Legal advice is any oral or written advice given by a solicitor or barrister, including writing letters and negotiations. Legal aid is representation by a solicitor or barrister in court proceedings. The Legal Aid Board has a number of centers across the country, and the best way to find the one most convenient to you is to contact the Legal Aid Board directly. -
Community law and mediation
Community Law & Mediation
Community Law & Mediation is a community law centre which provides free legal advice, advocacy and mediation and education services.Northside Civic Centre, Bunratty Road, Coolock, Dublin 17, Ireland
Tel: (01) 847 7804
Email: info@communitylawandmediation.ie
Community Law & Mediation Limerick
Limerick Social Service Centre, Henry Street, Limerick, Ireland
Tel: (061) 536 100
Email: limerick@communitylawandmediation.iePhone: (01) 847 7804
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Citizen's Information Centres
Citizen's Information
Citizens Information Centres (CICs) provide free, impartial information, advice and advocacy from more than 215 locations around the country.Find a Citizens Information Centre
https://centres.citizensinformation.ie/Phone: 0761 07 4000
Browse the database of organisations working on human rights and equality issues in Ireland.