Courts / Dublin / Report

Malahide restaurant must pay €2k for 'humiliation' of couple and guide dog Tim

Date
2023-06-28
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Malahide
County
Dublin

Summary

In a June 2023 decision, the Workplace Relations Commission awarded €2,000 to Sophia Brennan after she was denied entry to KOA Asian Restaurant in Malahide with her guide dog Tim. Brennan, who had a letter from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and a guide‑dog card, described the staff's refusal as humiliating and said the dog was called "not hygienic" and could be left "out back." The proprietor had claimed staff allergies and that children might be scared of dogs, but Brennan said none of this was communicated to her that evening. The tribunal found the restaurant had discriminated against her under the Equal Status Act, ordered the proprietor to pay compensation, and required the management to become acquainted with equality legislation. The hearing was conducted without the restaurant's presence, and the decision was made by adjudicating officer Penelope McGrath.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Malahide restaurant must pay €2k for 'humiliation' of couple and guide dog Tim. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Residence
  • Main Street
Secondary Mention
Facility
  • Lansdowne House

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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