Roche v Alabaster Associates Ltd t/a Madigans

• Jurisdiction: Ireland
• Judgment Date: 01 August 2002
• Date: 01 August 2002
• Court: Equality Tribunal

Mr. John Roche (Represented by The Equality Authority)

v.

Alabaster Associates Limited t/a Madigans. (Represented by GD Fottrel & Sons, Solicitors)

Abstract:

Equal Status - Discrimination - Special treatment or facilities - Visually impaired - Supply of goods and services - Access to pub - Guide dog - Food hygiene regulations - Equal Status Act, 2000 section 3(1).

Facts: The complainant, who is visually impaired, tried to enter a Madigan’s public house with his guide dog but was refused admission. The respondent company stated that to allow the dog in they would have been in breach of the Food and Hygiene Regulations but had offered to leave the guide dog at the door accompanied by the doorman. The claimant took the case on the basis that he was discriminated against.

Held by the Equality Officer that the pub owners had failed to take all reasonable steps to provide special facilities accommodate a person with visual disability contrary to the Equal Status Act, 2000 .