ICCL slams watering down of equality legislation

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has reiterated its opposition to sections of the Liquor Licensing Bill that row back on equality legislation introduced just a few years ago.

The new Bill transfers responsibility for discrimination cases involving pubs from the Equality Authority to the District Courts.

The Government drew up the new legislation following intensive lobbying from publicans. The ICCL has described this as scandalous, saying publicans should not be treated favourably under the law.

Spokesman Liam Herrick said: "Discrimination by pubs should be no different to discrimination in any other area of society."