Can the mother take legal action against the establishment for discrimination?

Question

Friday evening, I was publicly embarrassed and belittled for having a baby. My partner and I go to this establishment every Friday evening. Our baby was a little loud because she was hungry but she was quiet as soon as she was fed. I was told infront of a lot of people that unless my baby was 100% quiet, I would not be welcome. I apologised but this has caused me a lot of upset and anxiety since.

As I said, we have been going every week and we have not previously been spoken to or had anyone raise an issue. We spend a fair amount of money when we go.

Is there anything I can do? Such as report for bullying or discrimination?

I would just like to add that the person who spoke to me was the owner and manager

Joan Meador · Accepted Answer

NQ is this establishment a chain or independent place? as a mother myself of 4 I find this appalling 😔

Answer

NQ that’s horrible treatment. If it was me I would write a very strongly worded letter to the top of the management. People have said previously that using social media to complain can be very effective as usually they won’t want the bad publicity.

Ronald Win

30th March 2022

+2

5 upvotes

Answer

NQ : what is the outcome you are lookong for here?
What immediate action did you take at the time of the altercation?
Have you anyone who would be able to be a witness?

Answer

NQ unfortunately there are no laws for this kind of thing, there’s no discrimination or anything you can take legal action for, the owner has the right to say what they like on their property unless it comes under the discrimination for sex, race creed etc, the only things you can do is ask for an apology or not go back

Loretta Jones

30th March 2022

+11

14 upvotes

Answer

Nq what time Friday eve? A lot of places don't allow or discourage kids after 6pm. Did you check if baby was welcome? Or did the business do you a favour by not turning you away and then they were getting complaints from other customers?

Jeanne Metts

30th March 2022

+8

11 upvotes

Answer

NQ - it’s common for food serving establishments to implement a no children policy and quite a number do especially in the evenings. So as long as there were no discrimination against race, colour or gender reasons - there’s nothing illegal about refusing children.

Seymour Galindez

30th March 2022

+7

10 upvotes

Answer

NQ-was it early evening or is it a family type establishment?

Answer

NQ

Bullying is usually a constant systematic attack on a person(s)

Discrimination is usually on sex, gender,race or disability

Having been regular visitors prior to having a child would not have any sway in this argument the issue is was you personally targeted or anyone making a noise that is against the venues policy regarding noise.
The venue did not ask you to leave they said if you could not keep your child quiet you would not be welcome but the crucial point would be what the venue was for example a pub which is aimed at adults.
Personally I wouldn’t want to go to a pub aimed at adults with crying babies but would expect it in a pub with a families welcome sign … the same with dogs.

Answer

NQ Did the establishment have a ball pit?

Answer

NQ- what type of establishment was you in?

Answer

NQ Under the Equality Act 2010, maternity is a protected characteristic.
You are covered by its provisions until 26 weeks after the date you gave birth.

Answer

NQ: as a waitress myself I’d be taking this further, call up ask to speak to management about it and explain how this staff member has made you feel! This is not on! How can you tell a baby to be quiet!

Charles Waddle

30th March 2022

1 upvote

Answer

NQ. There is no legal remedy here.
You were not discriminated against for having a baby. You were asked to do something about the fact that your baby was behaving in a manner that the proprietor believed would have a negative impact on their business.
As the manager of a licensed premises they have the right to exclude you for any reason, they do not have to tell you what that reason is.