Courts / Dublin / Report
Jessica Bowes' claim she was refused entry to Dunnes for being single mum is rejected
Summary
During the first pandemic lockdown, Jessica Bowes claimed she was denied entry to a Dunnes Stores in Clondalkin because she was a single mother. She alleged a security guard told a manager, "I have a single mother here, can I let her in?" and that she was stopped from entering the shop. Bowes said she had been in a fast‑track queue for essential workers, was told to wait in a yellow social‑distancing circle, and that the guard's remarks made her feel "physically sick, degraded." Dunnes Stores argued the incident was a misunderstanding, noting the guard had no knowledge of her family status and that the manager had not stopped her. The adjudicating officer found Bowes had not established a prima facie case of discrimination and upheld the store's defence, rejecting her claim. The hearing concluded with the officer stating no prohibited conduct had occurred.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jessica Bowes' claim she was refused entry to Dunnes for being single mum is rejected. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 29 April 2020 Other
- 2022-03-02 Publication
Why: Photo: Collins) A woman who said she was refused entry to a Dunnes Stores during the first pandemic lockdown because she was a single mother – calling it "Magdalene Laundry stuff" — has had her discrimination claim rejected. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
- Ninth Lock Road
Topics
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