A CO DERRY off-licence has given the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland an undertaking that it will not discriminate against customers on grounds of race or nationality.
Regional Wines in Draperstown made the commitment following controversy and criticism over a sign in its off-licence stating: “Due to theft, foreign nationals must produce ID.”
The Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities said the sign was “indefensible”, while the SDLP Assembly member for Mid-Ulster deplored the placing of the notice at the outlet entrance.
John and Breda McKenna, who run Regional Wines, made a voluntary agreement with the commission affirming “their commitment to equality of opportunity and have undertaken that they will not discriminate on racial grounds in the provision of goods, facilities or services”.
Evelyn Collins, commission chief executive, said the Race Relations Order made it quite clear it was unlawful to discriminate on grounds of race or nationality in providing goods and services.