I have been refused entrance to a nightclub several times in the past month as the bouncers say they don’t want any Arabs there. Apparently there was a fight a while ago between some “Arabian looking guys” and since then anyone who looks “Arabian” has been refused entry. Can they do this?
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Kate Dodgson of [author’s firm]:
- This is racial discrimination and is prohibited under state and federal laws.
- You should try to contact the manager and explain the situation.
- If you are ignored or are not happy with the manager’s response then you should file a complaint in your state or territory’s discrimination commission.
- You could seek:
- an apology,
- an acknowledgment that the behavior was discriminatory,
- a promise to train staff on anti-discrimination, and
- an undertaking that any staff who act in this way again will be disciplined.