A Dublin District Court today awarded a blind nun over €6,000 in damages after she was refused access to a pub because she was accompanied by her guide dog.
Sister Brid Smith was refused service and "told to leave abruptly" from Conway's pub and restaurant in Blackrock after she arrived at the premises for a cup of coffee in 2004.
She stated that she explained that she was allowed by law to bring her guide dog onto the premises but despite this the employee insisted she leave and ushered her through the door.
Although a number of letters were exchanged Sr Smith felt that Conway's Pub and Restaurant had not accepted responsibility for the incident and did not make any effort to resolve the matter amicably or apologise to her.
Sr Smith brought a discrimination case on the disability ground to the District Court under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003.
The court awarded Sr Smith €6,300 in damages - the maximum allowed under the legislation.
Welcoming the decision of the court, Niall Crowley, of the Equality Authority, said: "Effective anti-discrimination legislation require that awards made, where discrimination is found to have happened, are effective, proportionate and dissuasive."
Mr Crowley said: "In making the maximum award allowed the Judge has sent out a clear and unequivocal message that discrimination by licensed premises is unacceptable and will prove costly to those found to have discriminated against people under the Intoxicating Liquor Act".
"Discrimination by licensed premises remains a serious issue. It affects people with disabilities as well as Travellers, gay and lesbian people, Black and minority ethnic people and young and older people," he added.