A pub that turfed out a customer with a brain injury because staff thought he was drunk has paid him €3,500 in compensation.
The unnamed man was in the bar celebrating the end of rehabilitative treatment for a tumour.
His condition causes a limp and this was interpreted by workers as a sign he was intoxicated.
The man claimed that despite explaining his disability directly to them, he was asked to leave, causing him “significant distress and embarrassment”.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission provided direct legal representation to the customer in his application to the district court for redress under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003.
The matter was settled without a hearing after the pub – which has not been identified – agreed to apologise to the man and offer compensation of €3,500.
Management also agreed to attend an annual equality training course and to report to the IHREC under the agreed settlement, which saw no admission of liability.
IHREC chief Emily Logan said: “The Commission welcomes this legal settlement and the clear message it sends that discrimination in private services, including licensed premises, is not acceptable and can be challenged.
“As this case demonstrates, issues arising from brain injury should not mean you risk discrimination when out socialising.”
Man ordered to pay €6,000 in compensation after one-punch assault in row over gin and tonic
