The client instructed Counsel following receipt of a letter alleging discrimination against two individuals identifying as Irish Travellers. The claim states that on 29 February, the individuals were refused service at the client’s pub in Tottenham. The client denies the allegation, stating that he serves all patrons who behave respectfully and has never refused service on the basis of ethnicity or Traveller status. The pub is operated under a lease and has a capacity of approximately 60 patrons, with a small staff team.
The claimants allege a breach of the Equality Act 2010, asserting that they were refused service due to their Traveller identity. The client disputes this and notes that he was unaware of any recording of the incident. He also referenced prior incidents involving disruptive behaviour by other individuals, including spitting, property damage, and police involvement, though he cannot recall specific dates. The client confirmed that he does serve Travellers, including a regular patron who may provide a supporting statement.
Counsel advised that refusal of service must be based on behaviour, not ethnicity or group identity, and that the client’s position should be clearly stated in response to the claim. Counsel will write to the claimants requesting further details and any video evidence to verify the location and context of the alleged incident. The client was advised to obtain police records of prior disturbances and consider gathering witness statements from regular patrons and staff. A supporting statement from a Traveller patron may also assist in rebutting the claim. Counsel noted that while such claims are increasingly common, they are not necessarily unwinnable, and a robust factual defence can be mounted. The next step is to issue a formal response to the claimants and await further correspondence.
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