The Workplace Relations Commission found that McAteer’s The Food House did not discriminate against, harass or victimise Brendan Gill in a dispute over face coverings and service. In a decision dated 22 September 2022, the WRC rejected all three Equal Status complaints. Gill said he was refused service after declining to wear a face covering; the business said it offered alternatives, including service at the shop door and home delivery.
For the discrimination complaint, the adjudication officer found Gill had not told the business about his disability and had not established less favourable treatment; she also noted he was offered service at the shop door. The harassment complaint failed because he had not established harassment on disability grounds. The victimisation complaint failed because he provided no evidence of adverse treatment arising from an action covered by the Act.