Courts / Dublin / Report

Barman accused of 'defrauding' patrons with service charge wins €8k for unfair dismissal

Summary

In a case heard by the Workplace Relations Commission, bar manager Devendrasingh 'Ryan' Boodhun of the Schoolhouse Hotel was dismissed on 4 July 2023 after the hotel alleged he was adding a 10% service charge to tables that were not entitled to it. Boodhun denied the accusations, describing them as "unfounded and untrue." The hotel's policy was to apply the charge to tables of eight or more, with the option for the party to object. Evidence from former general manager Jeff Cronin suggested that Boodhun had been instructed to add the charge and distribute it to staff. The WRC found the dismissal was "procedurally unfair" but that the hotel had acted reasonably in ending his employment. An adjudicator awarded Boodhun €8,000 in redress under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. The decision noted that additional matters were raised for the first time during the disciplinary meeting and that there was significant cross‑contamination between those responsible for the investigation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Barman accused of 'defrauding' patrons with service charge wins €8k for unfair dismissal. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 4 July 2023 Other
• June 2023 Other
• 22 June 2023 Other
• 2025-06-19 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report