Geraldine McGahey

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland supported the man, who has not been named, in bringing the case against John Bittles.

The man went to Bittles Bar on a Friday afternoon to enjoy a drink. As he entered the bar, he met the landlord, John Bittles, who he knew and had spoken to before.

The man says that Mr Bittles said to him: “No seat, no drink, new rules in the bar. I look after my locals.”

He says that Mr Bittles then pointed to a group of men on his left and continued: “You have not been in here for about three years and we don’t serve Protestants, only joking, no I’m not.”

The man says these comments were said very loudly and were greeted by cheering from other customers within the bar. This made him feel very uncomfortable and he immediately left the bar.

The man reported the incident to the PSNI, who recorded it as a hate crime, and then contacted the Equality Commission.

Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, said: “This is a reminder to all businesses serving the public that they have responsibilities under the anti-discrimination laws.

“People are protected from religious belief and political opinion discrimination in the provision of a wide range of services. It is important that customers do not feel intimidated or degraded because of their religious beliefs.

“Everyone who walks through their doors should be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what their religious background.

“This is also a reminder for each of us that what someone might see as banter or a harmless joke could have the effect of being offensive or intimidating to someone else.”

In settling the case, Mr Bittles apologised for any upset and distress caused to the man and affirmed commitment to the principles of equality in respect of the provision of services to the public. He has also agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission.