Press Releases
Pavee Point welcomes the Vintners Federation of Ireland's decision not to go ahead with their outrageous proposed nationwide ban on serving Travellers.
"To have gone ahead with an illegal and unjust ban like this would have highlighted the discriminatory nature of vintners dealings with Travellers," said Martin Collins, Assistant Director of Pavee Point.
"Any such proposed ban would be contrary to equality legislation and offence to fair play. It is unfair to blame a whole community for the alleged actions of a few," added Mr. Collins.
Pavee Point considers that this proposal was another part of the VFI's orchestrated and misinformed campaign against the Equal Status Act 2000. The VFI is trying to create an atmosphere of fear in relation to Travellers and the Equal Status Act - so as to try and reinstate their absolute power to discriminate.
"We would remind vintners that their right to refuse does not include the right to discriminate - not just against Travellers but against other named groups in the legislation ," added Mr. Collins.
"For the VFI to suggest that the safety of pub customers is threatened by the Equal Status Act is totally irresponsible," said Martin Collins. " Section 15 of the Act specifically refers to public order and enables vintners to refuse service to anyone who threatens the safety of pub customers or pub property."
"The Equal Status Act does not present an excuse for bad behaviour - nor did any of the groups who lobbied for it ever intend it to do so," said Mr. Collins.
Any cases of bad behaviour should be reported to the Gardai and the people involved should be prosecuted.
ENDS.