Krystle used cash settlement to avoid closure over discrimination

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0128/1224263290409.html

A JUDGE threatened to close down Krystle nightclub in Dublin yesterday for having “blackguarded” a member of the Traveller community.

District Court Judge John O’Neill said Sarah Stokes had acted in a ladylike manner on the night of August 7th, 2009, when the Harcourt Street club refused to admit her to a charity event for which she had bought a €30 ticket.

Barrister Kevin Healy, for Ms Stokes, said she and a dozen friends had attended the fund-raising function in Krystle for Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association charity, and her hand had been stamped at the entrance on arrival.

Later she had adjourned with two friends through a side door to Dicey Riley’s bar, in the same building, but when returning to Krystle found the side door locked and had gone to the main entrance for readmission, which had been refused.

Ms Stokes, of Cherrywood Park, Clondalkin, who sought compensation under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, said the doorman ignored the stamp on her hand and simply said “sorry” before totally ignoring her.

“I am a member of the Travelling community and I am taking this case because I believe I was discriminated against,” she told Mr Healy.

Club doorman Paul Melia said he had stopped Ms Stokes because she was wearing very high heels and he was concerned for her safety and the safety of other patrons. He denied in cross-examination by Mr Healy that the defence he was putting forward was a disguise to cover discrimination against a member of the Traveller community.

Judge O’Neill rose to allow talks with Triglen Holdings Ltd, which trades as Krystle nightclub. When told there had been no progress the judge said: “I am absolutely satisfied that because they did not like the look of Ms Stokes, she was discriminated against and I am going to make a closure order against the club. The court may be persuaded to take a more lenient view if Ms Stokes were to be compensated.’’

“This lady was absolutely blackguarded and I have no evidence other than that she was absolutely ladylike on the night. I take a very dim view of the club’s attitude,” he said.

Following further talks Mr Healy said a settlement had been reached.


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Delighted for the bastards! I'm sick of these ****ing bouncers taking their power trips and stopping people going into clubs. I hope she takes them to the cleaners! The poor woman had paid for a chairty event and all. Boooo Krystle.

If this is in wrong place...move it. Or merge if elsewhere!