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Company that tried to ‘de-gay’ pub fined for discrimination
Miranda Bryant24 Feb 2010
A man has won a claim against a former gay pub after he was discriminated against because of his sexuality.
Owners of the Pembroke Arms in Earl's Court, formerly the Colherne Arms, paid thousands of pounds in compensation after a tribunal found that former assistant manager, Charles Lisboa, was discriminated against because he was gay.
It also found that gay staff members and customers were referred to as “queens” as the management tried to “de-gay” the pub after it changed hands in December 2008.
Mr Lisboa, 41, said he was asked to reprimand a gay couple for their behaviour and was referred to — in a backhanded “compliment” — as “another kind of gay”.
Another time he was asked to put a sign outside that said: “This is not a gay pub.”
He suffered depression and sleeplessness and had counselling after resigning on 11 January 2008. It took nine months to find a new job.
The pub's owner, Realpubs, said it was trying to attract patrons from a wider section of the community and to turn it into a gastropub. But London Central Employment tribunal found it guilty of discriminatory treatment.
Mr Lisboa, of Shepherd's Bush, said: “Bosses calling people queens was very offensive language to me, I didn't know how to handle it. I was in total disbelief when I was asked to write outside that the pub wasn't a gay pub — in such a gay-friendly city. I didn't feel able to work there any more.”
His solicitor, Paul Daniels, of Russell Jones & Walker, said: “This landmark decision confirms that an establishment that wishes to change from serving a mainly gay clientele to a mixed clientele must not do so in a way that discriminates against gay clients. It also serves as a stark warning to any employer who tolerates abuse and prejudice against gay staff or customers.”
Realpubs said it was committed to providing a non-discriminatory working environment. “We have undertaken a full investigation into the incident and, having paid the penalty, are pleased the situation is now resolved,” a spokeswoman said.
Reader views (10)
I am a gay man who lives in earls Court and I visited the Colherne once before it changed hands and it certainly wasnt busy and the toilets certainly weren't clean. the place was a dive, frequented by cruisers and rent boys. Although I dont condone the comments that allegedly took place I have always found the management and staff in there to be very accomodating with the gay community - infact there are two openly gay members of staff that work there so I find some of the comments to be a little bit over the top. As far as i can see it is a well run pub that welcomes the gay community and every time i have been in there it is full to the rafters.
- Chris, london, 25/02/2010 15:24
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The most depressing bit of this story is the total failure of the RealPubs management team to accept that what they have done is wrong, despite losing the case and having it splashed across the papers.
From their Press Release: A spokeswoman for RealPubs said: “We have undertaken a full investigation into the incident and, having paid the penalty, are pleased the situation is now resolved.”
Errr, no, paying a fine doesn't 'resolve' this, it simply goes some way toward reparations to a man you treated unfairly. The key issue is why this was allowed to happen in the first place and what kind of ethos the company has. If you read the 'ethos' page on their website, you'll see it's a load of claptrap that clearly isn't out into practice.
They claim they had an 'investigation', but haven't stated what came of it. It needs to lead to something changing. Re-training of staff, an equality and anti-discrimination policy that is used, sacking those who cannot work within employment legislation, the removal of offensive signs - the list is pretty long.
Given their complete failure to comprehend the offence they have caused, I won't be using any RealPubs facilities again. They have a rather helpful website listing their venues, so it's easy to make sure you're not spending money with bigots.
Let them host the BNP meetings to get the money through the tills if they can't welcome more diverse communities.
- Nick, London, 25/02/2010 08:34
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Although I'm not a gay I would ask how many gay pubs have ever lost their licence because of drunken yobs and riotuous behaviour? Too many pubs are unpleasant places full of unpleasant people and any gay's that I have met have been polite and well mannered.
- George, Cambridge, 24/02/2010 16:03
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This terrible homofobic behaviour such be treated as crime!
- Paul, London, 24/02/2010 14:05
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Being called a queen offensive? It's a darn sight less insulting than a whole raft of other names that could be used. As a gay guy, I've always considered the term quite endearing. What a whiner.......
- Wispy, London, 24/02/2010 13:50
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As a gay resident of Earls Court for many years, and a regular of The Colherne and now the Pembroke, I strongly believe the the first three commenters don't know what they're talking about. The Colherne was empty, old, dirty and blighted. Earls Court was in need of a clean, friendly, gastro pub with good food and clean toilets and The Pembroke far surpasses those desires and is a vibrant and welcome member of the community. Anyone who says that The Pembroke is empty and failing has clearly never been there.
- Aj, Earls Court, UK, 24/02/2010 13:25
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"he was asked to put a sign outside that said: “This is not a gay pub.”
That has to be the worst bit of marketing I have ever heard.
Anyone who is sure of their sexuality will have no problem walking into a gay friendly pub and ordering a drink.
For those who never have you will find a few subtle differences.
i. The toilets are clean and well maintained
ii. The regulars are friendly and polite
iii.The drinks on offer are well thought through and often show immagination and flair.
I am not gay, but I would rather drink in the company of real 'gentle men' than heterosexual yobs.
- Jimbob, Kensington, 24/02/2010 12:59
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Sad that the people from Realpubs did not do their homework. There is a significant number of gay long term resident people around Earls Court (male and female). The Colherne was a very important meeting point. Each time I walk near it these days, it is obvious that their strategy has failed as they are always empty. After reading this article I will discourage any friends to go near that place and go instead to Balans, or The Troubador.
- Silvia, Earls Court, 24/02/2010 11:44
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That place has been known as gay since the time when gay was not 'celebrated'; the owners will have a hard time changing its reputation.
The place has been popular for generations. Gastropubs don't last even five years.
In the end, people don't want to pay restaurant money to eat in a pub with horrible pub toilets.
Especially now that money is tight.
Stick with the pink pound, I'd advise; your patrons weather recessions much better - they don't have big houses, nannies and school and university bills to pay for.
- David Short, Tunis, Tunisia, 24/02/2010 11:39
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I find this rather sad.
It is not as though West London is crying out for yet another gastro pub.
- Charles, Kennington, 24/02/2010 10:15
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