Pub licence restrictions question

Ludo

Quick legalish question...on another forum I saw a post saying:

"on its regular license, alongside the usual stuff like maximum occupancy, trading hours, etc, is a stipulation forbidding the wearing of team colours. So by refusing a grown man wearing replica kit, they were merely enforcing the terms of their license. The barman told me that on those occasions (Italy games in WC/Euros, Brazil WC games, HEC latter stages) they have to apply for an exemption.

I've seen that in nightclub licenses before, but never in pub ones (although, admittedly, I don't go reading them as a rule!)... is this a new thing? "

My thoughts were:

Never heard of this before either. Very strange restriction though. Can this type of restriction also be obtained for people wearing hoodies/baseball caps/goth clothing/ethnic clothing/etc, etc, etc or is it just for team colours. Where does the line get drawn? Bordering on discrimination really.

Also, how is team colours defined in law I wonder? Does the clothing have to display a team crest or does just looking like a "jersey" count? For example, there are plenty of "designer" brand rugby shirts out there...would they be banned also under this restriction? So many questions...maybe time to shoot off to the legal forum as I am curious about this license restriction.

Anyone know information about this kind of licensing restriction or where I could find out as this all seems like a very vague rule to me.

Thanks.

Victor

I have seen pubs put up such restrictions. I imagine its down to (a) avoiding trouble between competing team's supporters (b) avoiding mob mentalities (c) not putting off other customers.

castie

Yes but they are usually seperate signs?

This apparantly is on the actual license.

Ludo

Victor wrote: »

I have seen pubs put up such restrictions. I imagine its down to (a) avoiding trouble between competing team's supporters (b) avoiding mob mentalities (c) not putting off other customers.

As Castie said, it is on the actual license apparently...not just the bar owners policy. Apparently when they want to allow in people wearing "team colours" during big matches, they have to apply for an exemption.

castie

although the guy saying it i have found out has been telling a few fibs regarding some other stuff.

nuac

Never heard of a pub licence containing such a condition.

If a special exemption is bieng sought the District COurt might impose some conditions re management of premises especially if there are objectors or a request from Gardai.

It is more likely that this is a policy of the licensee because wearers of the particular jersey have been unruly in the past.