What this application does
If you have been refused entry to a pub, club or hotel, you are entitled to apply to the District Court for compensation if you believe the refusal was due to discrimination based on certain characteristics like race, religion, or disability.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 prohibits refusing entry to licensed premises based on discrimination. However, refusal of entry is allowed for other reasons, such as drunkenness or disorderly conduct. A pub can refuse entry to someone it believes is drunk or is likely to cause a disturbance. They can also refuse entry to someone on a blanket basis (for example, a "no fancy dress" rule), as long as the rule is applied equally to everyone.
How to prepare
You should determine the grounds or basis for your claim. The refusal must be based on the prohibited grounds of discrimination which are: gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, religion, or being a member of a group such as the Traveller community.
How much this application costs
There is a fee of €150 per application.
How to apply
1. Locate the District Court office
You can apply for this via the District Court office in which the licensed premises is located. You can identify the correct district using the map of District Court areas.
2. Complete your application
You must complete your application within six months of the incident taking place. You must complete form 80.5 in writing and include the details of your claim.
2. Serve the notice parties
Your application must be served on the respondent (licence holder) at least seven days prior to the court date. Please see our serving and proof of service page for more information.
3. Submit your application
Your application must be lodged at least seven days prior to the court date.
4. Provide proofs to the court office
You will need to provide the required supporting documentation or "proofs".
What proofs are required
- Original notice of application with relevant stamp duty,
- statutory declaration of service.
What happens in court
The judge will make a decision in court based on the evidence presented and the circumstances of the case.
If the court grants the application, one or more of the following orders (court decision) can be made:
- an order for compensation to be paid to the applicant by the respondent (licence holder),
- an order that the licence holder of the licensed premises concerned should take certain actions,
- an order for temporary closure of the premises.
