Equality Officer Bernadette Treanor found that Bedford Taverns T/A Hally’s Bar, Cork did not discriminate against Michael and Margaret McCarthy when it refused them service on the Traveller ground. The decision was dated 5 March 2007.
The McCarthys said the bar was quiet and that Mr McCarthy was told he would not be served because he had caused trouble on St Stephen’s night. The bar said it was busy and near capacity, and that its owner knew Mr McCarthy as someone who could cause difficulties.
The officer found the bar’s evidence about its knowledge of Mr McCarthy more compelling. She said refusal could be justified if the bar reasonably concluded that serving the McCarthys could create a substantial risk of disorderly conduct. She found they had not established that they were refused for no reason other than their Traveller identity.