What is Traveller Discrimination?
Membership of the Traveller community ground
If someone treats you less favourably because you are a member of the Traveller community and someone else is not.
Irish Travellers were recognised as a distinct ethnicity in 2017
‘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.
What is Traveller Discrimination in Pubs?
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.
A pub cannot refuse to let you in because you are a Traveller, or because you are with a Traveller, or because the staff think you are a Traveller.
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