The Workplace Relations Commission found that M J Sheehan Limited t/a Devon Inn Hotel did not discriminate against Margaret Avanzo, a member of the Traveller Community, after refusing her party a table on 24 March 2024. The decision, dated 26 March 2025, said there was insufficient evidence that the refusal was because of her race or Traveller identity.
Avanzo alleged that the manager used discriminatory words when refusing service. The manager denied saying them and said the hotel was busy and could not accommodate more diners because of kitchen and staffing pressures. The adjudication officer accepted the hotel’s operational explanation, found no prohibited conduct and made no award.