Restaurant responds to discrimination claims from customers with face mask exemptions

VILLAGE BAR SAYS IT HAS TO CONSIDER EVERYONE’S SAFETY

A BAR and restaurant in Humberston has responded to criticism after customers claim they have been discriminated against for having face mask exemptions.

The Coach House, which is home to Jax Bar and Grill, has received a number of critical reviews on its Facebook page about its ‘no mask, no entry, no exceptions’ policy.

This includes those who have health conditions and are exempt from wearing them.

One customer whose health condition exempts her from wearing a mask, told the Grimsby Telegraph she had been challenged about walking in with no face covering when she had already been seated at a table.

She said: “It was only when we’d been sat down that someone came over to say ‘which one of you came in without a mask?’

“I made it clear to the girl that I was exempt and offered to show her my lanyard and my medication but she said she would have to go and get a manager.

“The manager came over and said it in exactly the same way: ‘which one of you came in without a mask?

‘“I tried to explain it to him but he said it was company policy that everyone had to wear a mask when moving around the pub.”

A representative for The Coach House confirmed that there were no exemptions to the policy of face coverings being worn to move around the venue.

They said: “Our primary concern has to be the safety of our customers and our staff.

“We’ve completed a risk assessment about this. We’re not a massive venue and we’ve got to consider the safety of everyone here.

“The time it takes to get from our reception area to a table is around 19 seconds which isn’t really that long to be wearing a face covering.

“At the end of the day, you don’t have to come to The Coach House if you’re not comfortable wearing a mask - it is a choice.”

Many reviewers have been left disappointed with the policy.

One of them told the Grimsby Telegraph : “They said it didn’t matter what the legislation was and that it was just their policy. They didn’t even offer me a table outside or a takeaway, I was just asked to leave.

“I have asthma and I have allergies that can cause me to go into severe anaphylactic shock which is where some of the added anxiety about wearing a mask comes from.”

North East Lincolnshire Council said businesses can set their own policies, despite the legislation in place. A spokesperson said: “Current legislation states that all customers in licensed premises must wear a face covering, unless seated at a table to eat or drink, or if they are exempt. “Licensed premises within North East Lincolnshire have been made aware of the regulations as set out in legislation.

“Whilst we cannot comment on the specific nature of any particular exemption, ultimately, a business can set its own policies as to who is permitted on the premises.

“Any perceived discrimination claimed under the Equality Act 2010 should be reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission who are the enforcing body for such claims.”