Tuesday, 26 March 2002

IHF WELCOME AMENDMENT TO EQUAL STATUS ACT 2000

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today greeted the announcement by Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, that he is amending the Equal Status Act 2000 to allow hotels and other license holders restrict access to persons under the age of 15, accompanied with a parent, as a positive action. However, the Federation expressed disappointment that the Minister did not address other aspects of the Act in the same manner.

"While we urge Minister O'Donoghue to implement this amendment immediately, as we enter the peak tourist season, there is a serious concern amongst hoteliers that the right to refuse is restricting them from providing service based on their professional judgement. Some of our members are being threatened with legal action when refused service by certain elements of society. The hotelier has an obligation to run an orderly house for the benefit and safety of his/her customers, staff and in many cases family, at present the Equal Status Act curtails our members from doing this."

Mr Power said that while the Minister saw fit to refer the outstanding difficulties being experienced by the license sector on the Equal Status Act to the Liquor Licensing Commission, this referal will delay the urgent need to resolve these problems as soon as possible.

He also repeated his call to the Government to amend the trespass laws to allow for the speedy removal of unauthorised trespassers without an expensive court order. Only last weekend there were at least six cases of individuals who parked their vehicles and caravans in hotel car parks in the South East, with figures of up to €4000 being sought as compensation to move on," said John Power, Chief Executive, IHF.

Mr Power concluded that the laws of trespass must be immediately amended and the Gardaí must be given the powers to remove unauthorised trespassers without a court order having to be sought.

For Further Information:
Siobhan Molloy/Colette Walsh Tel: (01) 676 01 68
FCC Shandwick (086) 817 50 66 or (086) 2765 856