'Too old to tango' trio compensated
Three women have been awarded €500 each after they were refused entry to a Latin dance night in a pub in Dublin’s Temple Bar, it emerged today.
Two sisters Christine and Frances Shannon, both from south Dublin, and Marian Gibson, from north Dublin, had spent a drink-free evening at a debate in the city centre.
But when the trio arrived at the Turk’s Head they claimed bouncers barred their entry because they were too old to tango.
The doormen told the women the pub was full, but when they walked past the bar later that night Christine Shannon spotted it was full of 20-somethings.
Rita Barcoe, general manager who has worked in the pub for the last 10 years, said the bouncers refused the women because they appeared drunk, slurring their speech, talking aloud and stumbling.
Ms Barcoe said there would have been a wide range of ages in the pub on that evening because the tango dancing attracted an older crowd and hobbyists.
She said at least one of the attendees was over 80 years of age.
Solicitors were asked to look into the matter because the women felt embarrassed and humiliated.
One of the sisters said all she wanted was an apology.
Ms Gibson told the tribunal she had arranged to go to the Turk’s Head with other guests and speakers from the debate on February 13, 2002.
She also said no drink had been taken during the debate due to the robust discussions they were expecting.
Ms Barcoe added the pub catered for a wide range of events for different age groups and that the main aim was to host anything to create business. Age was not a factor, she said.
The Equality Tribunal ruled the trio had been discriminated against because of their age and awarded them €500 each.
