WRC rejects disability discrimination complaint against pharmacy

The Workplace Relations Commission found Frank Whelan’s disability discrimination complaint against Stauntons Life Pharmacy Limited not well founded in a decision dated 15 May 2023. Whelan said he visited the pharmacy without a face covering on 22 October 2021 and told staff he was exempt. He said staff questioned him about the exemption and that he left feeling nervous and anxious. The pharmacy said face coverings were legally required and that it asked him for evidence of an exemption. The adjudication officer found Whelan had not provided medical evidence at the time, so the pharmacy was not on notice of a disability. The complaint failed because he did not establish a prima facie case of discrimination.