The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Sophia O'Malley’s disability discrimination complaint against Core Health and Beauty Limited after she was refused service at its salon for not wearing a mask. The decision, dated 7 June 2023, found that O'Malley had not established a prima facie case of discrimination.
O'Malley said she told staff she had difficulty breathing in a mask and could not provide medical evidence under GDPR rules. The salon said it refused service to protect staff and customers during the pandemic, and referred to a health declaration O'Malley had signed in October 2020 stating she had no breathing difficulties and would follow the salon’s mask rules.
Adjudication Officer Thomas O'Driscoll found O'Malley’s evidence about the declaration and her previous mask wearing unconvincing. He concluded that the salon had taken steps to accommodate customers with declared disabilities and decided it had not discriminated against her.