Pubs & Membership of the Travelling Community Discrimination
Discrimination on the ‘Traveller community ground’ occurs where one person is treated less favourably than another because one is a member of the Traveller community and the other is not.
‘Member of the Traveller community’ is defined as a member of a community of people who are commonly called Travellers and who are identified (both by themselves and others) as people with a shared history, culture and traditions including, historically, a nomadic way of life on the island of Ireland.
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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Traveller and Roma rights
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centremission is to contribute to the improvement in the quality of life, living circumstances, status and participation of Travellers and Roma through working innovatively for social justice, greater solidarity development, equality and human rights.Pavee Point,
46 Charles Street Great
Dublin 1
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Traveller Community rights
Irish Traveller Movement (ITM)
The Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community. The Irish Traveller Movement consists of a partnership between Travellers and settled people committed to seeking full equality for Travellers in Irish society.Irish Traveller Movement,
4/5 Eustace Street
Dublin 2
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Anti-racism
INAR (the Irish Network Against Racism)
INAR (the Irish Network Against Racism) is a national network of anti-racism civil society organisations which aims to work collectively to highlight and address the issue of racism in Ireland.Irish Network Against Racism
28 North Great George’s Street
Dublin 1
REPORT RACISM: www.iReport.ie -
Legal advice for Travellers
Traveller Legal Service - FLAC
Traveller Legal Service is run by Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC), supported by The Community Foundation for Ireland and in cooperation with a Steering Group made up of representation from the national Traveller organisations, it aims to empower Travellers and Traveller groups to engage with the law as a means of combating discrimination and advancing the rights of Travellers in Irish Society. FLAC try to help people to understand and access their legal rights through offering free & confidential legal information and advice to the public, helping thousands of people every year.FLAC (Specific traveller center)
Free Legal Advice Centres,
85/86 Dorset Street Upper,
Dublin 1,
Legal Information & Referral Lines: 1890 350 250
(Lo-call from landlines) / 01-874 5690 (mobiles)Web: https://www.flac.ie/
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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.