The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Liam Lawlor’s disability discrimination complaint against Cineworld, finding he had not established a prima facie case. The decision was dated 29 August 2022.
Lawlor said he was refused entry to a cinema showing on 24 September 2021 because he could not provide proof of vaccination. Cineworld said the screen required proof of immunity under September 2021 guidelines and that Lawlor could not provide it.
To establish a prima facie case, a complainant must first show facts that could support a presumption of discrimination. The WRC found Lawlor had provided no medical evidence or documentation about an alleged disability, and so had not met that test. His complaint also referred to medical status, but that is not a discrimination ground listed in the Act; the WRC said it was outside its jurisdiction.