Pub chain pays 'substantial damages' after banning Irish Travellers from watching Tyson Fury fight
A pub chain has paid “substantial damages” after banning Irish Travellers from watching a Tyson Fury boxing fight.
Greene King paid damages and issued an unreserved apology to 12 people who were discriminated against by their staff at the Rose and Crown in Woodford Green, Essex.
A manager at the pub rejected six travellers as they sat down to watch the WBC heavyweight title fight between Dillian Whyte and champion “Gypsy King” Fury on 23 April.
They were told it was Greene King’s policy not to serve Irish Travellers – a policy which the company’s board of directors denies.
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When they challenged the manager he told them “that’s what the company says, no Travellers”, according to their solicitors Howe and Co.
The firm said he also confirmed that the reason for the ejection was race, and accepted that the policy was discriminatory.
Another six travellers, who were on their way to the pub, were told to turn around as they would not be served.
Howe and Co brought claims against Greene King for unlawful direct racial discrimination contrary to the Equality Act 2010.
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The pub chain settled the claims out of court, including paying legal costs and making a charitable donation at the traveller’s request.
Greene King has committed to training its staff to ensure that discrimination does not occur again and has reaffirmed its commitment to removing racism across its business as part of the “Calling Time on Racism” campaign.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the case should “compel” everyone to help end anti-Traveller discrimination.
He tweeted: “Pleased that Greene King has settled this shocking case of discrimination against Irish Travellers."
Yvonne MacNamara, CEO of the Traveller Movement, added: “The Traveller Movement are pleased that Greene King have settled this cut and dried instance of discrimination, and apologised to the affected individuals.
“We hope that they now have the closure they deserve.”
A statement from Greene King read: “Greene King sincerely apologises to the 12 individuals who were discriminated against by a member of our team and asked to leave or not attend our Rose and Crown pub in Woodford Green on 23 April 2022.
“This behaviour is contrary to all that we at Greene King believe in."
It added: “Since this incident we have ensured that the team in the Rose and Crown has had full training in this area, in addition to our company wide efforts to promote inclusion and diversity and eliminate racism in our company."
