A code of practice under the Equal Status Act for service providers in the licence trade has been recommended by the Commission on Liquor Licensing.
The commission report on Admission and Service in Licensed Premises calls for full discussions between the licence trade and the Equality Authority to finalise a code of practice.
It also states that a public airing of differences has done nothing to reconcile the Equality Authority and licence trade and calls for increased use of mediation in equality cases.
While the commission condemns discrimination in any shape or form it also recognises that licence holders have a right and duty to maintain an orderly premises and to ensure the safety and well being of their employees and customers.
The report also recommends that existing legislation should be amended to increase penalties for drunken persons refusing to leave licensed premises and that licence holders should be able to refuse admission and service to persons previously expelled from the premises for reasons of drunkeness.
In the interest of public order the report recomends that publicans should have the right to refuse service or admission to persons to ensure that the premises operates in a peaceable and orderly manner.
Enhanced discretion to refuse groups of people should also be granted to the licence holder. The report found that disorderly conduct and boisterous behaviour increased in a group context, whatever the makeup of the group may be, particularly where alcohol is involved.